
Florida Poly kicks off women’s soccer program with inaugural head coach
Florida Polytechnic University has named Jack Paris as the first head coach of its women’s soccer program as the University continues building its new athletics department.

Florida Polytechnic University has named Jack Paris as the first head coach of its women’s soccer program as the University continues building its new athletics department.

Florida Polytechnic University marked a significant milestone on Saturday, May 9, celebrating its largest graduating class to date as more than 430 students crossed the stage at the University’s 2026 commencement.

Andrew McDonnell ’26 never stopped dreaming about the stars. As a child, he looked up at the sky, wondering what was out there, and that curiosity followed him to Florida Poly, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, took aerospace courses, and worked on a lunar mobility senior capstone project. He graduates on May 9.

Florida Polytechnic University has reached on-campus housing capacity for the upcoming academic year, reflecting continued strong demand and record student interest.

Florida Polytechnic University inducted 12 students into its highly selective Presidential Ambassadors program, where they will serve as official student representatives at key University events and engage with campus and community leaders.

Samantha Bentley ’26 didn’t always feel ready to step into leadership or research roles during her time as a computer science student at Florida Polytechnic University, but discovered she grew the most by doing it anyway. She will receive her bachelor’s degree on Saturday, May 9.

Thomas Dougherty, a former U.S. ambassador and Fulbright leader, was announced as Florida Polytechnic University’s 2023 Commencement speaker. He is the Warburg Chair in International Relations at Simmons University in Boston. “It’s such an innovative university and to be there at a time of celebration and commemoration for the type of students at Florida Poly is truly exciting,” Dougherty said.

Bariatric surgeries have become more and more necessary for thousands of people across the country each year who need medical assistance to combat obesity. Two Florida Polytechnic University professors are working on a highly realistic 3D bariatric procedure simulator to help ensure doctors have the best training possible to perform the surgery. The work is part of a multimillion-dollar grant

Spring break is here, and students will soon enjoy a restful, weeklong break from class starting on Monday, March 6. Florida Polytechnic University hopes everyone has a safe and fun time and returns to classes on March 13 recharged and ready to tackle the end of the semester. Housing Residence halls will remain open throughout spring break. The Department of

Thirteen Florida Polytechnic University students recently earned top honors at a well-respected international math modeling competition. The students competed in the SIMIODE (Systemic Initiative for Modeling Investigations and Opportunities with Differential Equations) Challenge Using Differential Equations (SCUDEM). The online competition tasked teams of three or fewer students to solve one of three open-ended real-world problems by creating a mathematical model

Florida Polytechnic University is adding to its engineering strength by launching two new bachelor’s degrees for students this fall: civil engineering and industrial engineering.

Hundreds of Florida Polytechnic University students gathered at the Applied Research Center to explore exciting career options and meet with representatives from some of Florida’s most well-known companies at the 2023 Spring Career and Internship Fair. Florida Poly attracted more than 60 employers to the event on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Among these were Saddle Creek Logistics Services; Accusoft; Disney Parks,

Four teams of Florida Polytechnic University students put their best foot forward at the eMerge Americas and Florida Poly Startup Pitch Night on Monday, Feb. 13. The event brought together student and community entrepreneurs, giving them the opportunity to present their business idea to a panel of judges. Winning teams received $2,500 and were given fast-tracked entrance to the eMerge

Former state senator and community advocate Kelli Stargel has joined Florida Polytechnic University in a new role designed to help the all-STEM institution broaden its statewide impact. As Florida Poly’s senior advisor for strategic relationships, Stargel will lead efforts to develop and manage statewide relationships and partnerships, leveraging them to further the University’s goals. This includes maximizing engagement opportunities for

The annual Florida Polytechnic University Spring Career and Internship Fair is just around the corner, but students still have plenty of opportunities to polish their skills and gain an edge as they seek positions with some of the state’s most sought-after tech employers. “A unique opportunity we have at Florida Poly is the focus on developing not only the tech

Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, was recognized as one of the most influential business executives by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The publication revealed its annual Power 100 list today, acknowledging the business leaders who have generated the biggest impact in the Tampa Bay region. It is Avent’s third consecutive year on the prestigious list. “I’m

Injured turtles and tortoises throughout Florida now have a stronger chance of survival thanks to Florida Polytechnic University mechanical engineering student Matthew DeCicco. DeCicco stepped in to help nonprofit agency Swamp Girl Adventures when it reached out for technological assistance. The education and wildlife rehabilitation organization, led by reptile rehabilitator Kim Titterington, approached the University looking for help creating lifelike

Construction sites can be dangerous places, and Florida Polytechnic University capstone design students are working to make them safer. A group of four computer science seniors are creating virtual reality (VR) simulations for enhanced safety training at Whiting-Turner, a nationwide construction management company with locations in Florida, with the goal of reducing worksite incidents. “An employee can come on board












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.