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Florida Polytechnic University Men’s Soccer player Fernando Martinez during the University’s first media day.

Florida Poly’s student-athletes take center stage at inaugural media day

With the fall 2026 semester just days away, Florida Polytechnic University’s first student-athletes donned their new uniforms, laced up their cleats and stepped into the spotlight Monday, Aug. 10, for the University’s inaugural media day for the men’s and women’s soccer and cross country teams as they prepare for their first season of competition.

The Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE) and representatives from Florida Polytechnic University gather during CPHE’s inaugural site visit at the institution on Aug. 5-6.

Commission for Public Higher Education completes first accreditation site visit at Florida Polytechnic University

The Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE), a nascent institutional accreditor, today announced the successful completion of its inaugural site visit at Florida Polytechnic University on Aug. 5-6, marking a historic milestone for both organizations. The visit was the first conducted by CPHE, making Florida Poly the first institution to advance through this critical phase of the Commission’s accreditation process.

Florida Polytechnic University employees watch the live broadcast of a NASA diver performing an underwater test of the University’s student-designed tool dock as part of NASA’s Micro-g NExT Challenge.

NASA tests Florida Poly student-designed tool to improve spacewalks

When astronauts venture outside the International Space Station to perform critical maintenance, it is essential for them to access and store their tools quickly and conveniently. Every tool must remain securely attached to their spacesuit while still being readily available when needed. A team of Florida Polytechnic University mechanical engineering students spent 10 months developing a one-handed wearable tool dock designed to make that process easier, faster and more efficient. NASA put the team’s tool to the test at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Florida Polytechnic University senior Avery Reef at his internship location, Watts Water Technologies.

Student internship brings product development ideas to life

Avery Reef, a mechanical engineering student at Florida Polytechnic University, is getting a front-row seat to how products progress from a simple idea to the factory floor. The hands-on experience is helping shape his future engineering career. Reef is an intern with Watts Water Technologies, a global leader in water system solutions.

Polk State College President Anastasios Kamoutsas and Florida Polytechnic University President Devin Stephenson sign an expanded transfer agreement July 30 at Florida Poly’s Barnett Applied Research Center, joined by legislators, trustees, industry representatives and students.

Polk State and Florida Poly partner to build regional STEM pipeline

Polk State College and Florida Polytechnic University have entered into an articulation agreement, establishing the Eagle to Phoenix Pathway program for students. Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas and Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson signed the agreement on Thursday, July 30, strengthening the partnership between the institutions and expanding opportunities for students.

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Rotaract grads make their mark as they depart Florida Poly

Student involvement in Florida Polytechnic University’s Rotaract Club attracts community-minded individuals of all personal and academic backgrounds to come together to help improve the areas where they live. Two graduating club members recently received significant honors from its sponsor, the Auburndale Rotary Club. Thomas Risalvato, who receives his bachelor’s degree in business analytics on Sunday, May 5, was presented the

Florida Poly students stepping into waiting high-tech careers after graduation

With a commitment to producing 100% STEM graduates ready to fill high-tech, high-demand jobs across the state, Florida Polytechnic University will graduate more than 200 students on Sunday, May 5 with many beginning full-time positions just days later. Korrie Smith, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, will begin work as a technical specialist with Sarasota County’s

Q&A: Grad leaves lasting campus impact through leadership, athletics

When Madison Yonash ’24 arrived on campus as an undergraduate business analytics major at Florida Polytechnic University, she immediately began discovering ways to get involved. Soon, she was not only plugged in, but she was making a lasting impact on her peers and her University. She will receive her bachelor’s degree on Sunday, May 5. When she wasn’t dedicating her

Florida Poly inducts dozens of Phoenixes into Order of the Engineer

In a formal ceremony among their engineering peers, the newest mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering graduates at Florida Polytechnic University joined the Order of the Engineer on Wednesday, April 24. “Induction into the Order of the Engineer is an opportunity for engineering graduates to commit to maintaining the highest ethical standards and recognize their responsibility toward the engineering profession as

Seniors present innovative industry solutions at annual Capstone Showcase

Teams of Florida Polytechnic University seniors presented their innovative capstone projects to faculty, guests, and industry sponsors on Thursday, April 24, at the University’s annual Capstone Showcase. The event is the culmination of the teams’ work throughout the academic year to devise solutions to real-world problems posed by industry partners. International student Korrie Smith said his team’s energy assessment, analysis,

Q&A: Grad’s persistence, determination add up to bright future

Emily Crowley ’24 will earn a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Florida Polytechnic University on Sunday, May 5. Crowley is a graduate of the International Baccalaureate School at Bartow High School. Through high school and college, she dedicated herself to learning and achieving personal and academic goals while adjusting to living with lupus, an autoimmune disease. When not advancing

President Avent named Florida Poly’s 2024 commencement speaker

Florida Polytechnic University has announced that its founding president, Dr. Randy K. Avent, will be its 2024 commencement speaker. This year’s commencement comes as the University marks its 10th anniversary. Avent was appointed to his position as the institution’s leader in June of 2014, just two months before the campus opened its doors for its first fall semester. He plans

Q&A: Grad set to work with defense industry in software engineering

It’s never been difficult to spot Alexander Bodoh ’24 around campus at Florida Polytechnic University. While some simply look for his stylish and ever-present black fedora, others know him by his leadership, academic success, or campus involvement. “I think of myself as an individual very focused on leadership and self-improvement,” said the Lakeland, Florida, native who will graduate summa cum

Q&A: Engineering grad gets head start on career in research

Sydney Wickett ’24 is on the fast track to earning her master’s degree from Florida Polytechnic University. When she receives her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace on Sunday, May 5, Wickett will be only one year away from returning to the commencement stage for her advanced degree. She is among the first participants in the

Florida Poly donors honor inspiring father with endowed scholarship

Prof. Raj P. Seekri works to pay tribute to his late father every day with his actions and philanthropy. As part of this dedication, he and his wife, Raj K. Seekri, have contributed $25,000 to Florida Polytechnic University to create an endowed scholarship in honor of Raj P. Seekri’s late father. “The Ram Lal Seekri Endowed Scholarship is a tribute

Dr. Lily Li is a Professor of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University, where she specializes in materials science, analytical imaging, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical devices. Prior to joining Florida Poly in 2025, she spent 11 years at SUNY Potsdam, where she advanced to Full Professor and developed a 3-2 Engineering dual-degree program with Clarkson University. Her work emphasizes experiential learning and research-driven education to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.