
Five Florida Poly faculty among world’s top 2% of scientists
Research advancing scientific knowledge and technology has earned five Florida Polytechnic University faculty members a place on Stanford University’s 2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists list.

Research advancing scientific knowledge and technology has earned five Florida Polytechnic University faculty members a place on Stanford University’s 2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists list.

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been named to Florida Trend magazine’s prestigious Florida 500 list for the third straight year, recognizing his leadership and growing influence in advancing STEM education and economic development.

Florida Polytechnic University’s new athletics program has received its first philanthropic gift, a $60,000 contribution from longtime Lakeland residents Bob and Deedra Knight. The milestone donation marks an exciting step forward for Florida Poly Athletics as the University builds its inaugural sports teams and gains support from the local community.

The Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE) announced today that its Board of Directors has voted to grant accreditation to Florida Polytechnic University, marking the Commission’s first accreditation decision since its founding in 2025.

University and international leaders gathered at Florida Polytechnic University on Wednesday, Oct. 21, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the U.S. State Department’s Fulbright Program alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The Florida Polytechnic University Police Department has become the first law enforcement agency in the nation to integrate an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle into its operations. The manned aircraft, dubbed Astro in a double nod to science and the dog from the classic Jetsons cartoon, marks Florida Poly’s entry into the rapidly developing field of advanced air

Presidents, provosts, and other higher education leaders from across the country gathered at Florida Polytechnic University on Sept. 29-30 to explore new directions in the field at the annual Higher Education Innovation (HEI) 2025 Presidents’ Conference.

Dozens of high-tech employers connected with over 700 Florida Polytechnic University students at the annual Fall Career and Internship Fair on Thursday, Sept. 25, seeking the next generation of STEM professionals to help move their companies or agencies forward.

University also recognized as the No. 3 best value in the South
Florida Polytechnic University has earned its fifth straight title as the No. 1 public college in the South in U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges Rankings, a testament to the University’s exceptional growth and sustained excellence in just its 11th year.

Florida Polytechnic University buzzed with energy on Saturday, Sept. 20, as more than 850 parents, siblings and friends joined students on campus for the annual Phoenix Family Day. Visitors explored the University, played games, tackled hands-on STEM challenges and experienced firsthand the vibrant spirit of the Florida Poly community alongside their favorite Phoenix student. Gladys Diaz, from Miramar, Florida, joined

Legendary Colombian soccer coach Nelson Abadía brought his expertise and inspiration to Florida Polytechnic University on Thursday, Sept. 18, as he observed the men’s and women’s soccer teams in training and shared advice to strengthen their game. “It was unforgettable. Coach Abadía brought so much knowledge, and his presence alone elevated the atmosphere,” said Sebastian Anzola, captain of Florida Poly’s

Dr. Ian Bentley, chair of the Department of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University, developed a new machine learning model to improve predictions of nuclear binding energies.

A “zombie infection” overtook Florida Polytechnic University during the week of Sept. 8, slowly spreading from three infected students to nearly all the players in a campuswide Humans vs. Zombies Nerf dart battle.

A panel discussion at Florida Polytechnic University on Monday, Sept. 8, examined the history, benefits and future of phosphate mining.

Payton Barnwell ’19 has dedicated her successful high-tech career to creating meaningful impact through innovation. She helped optimize space station crops as a NASA intern, worked in mission control at Virgin Galactic, and led geospatial product development at SkyFi, creating easy-to-use tools from complex data and imagery.

Fueled by a new National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, innovative research at Florida Polytechnic University aims to redefine the way professors approach engineering design education.

Florida Polytechnic University senior Anthony Fiorito has captured national attention in the scientific community with groundbreaking research revealing that peacock feathers can emit precise laser light.

Connection, communication and advocacy are Colby Manrodt’s top goals as the new president of Florida Polytechnic University’s Student Government Association.











