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Florida Poly and South Korean university GIST team up to drive global STEM research

November 6, 2025

A new partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and South Korea’s Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) is set to boost academic and research collaboration at both institutions, widely recognized for advancing STEM education. The partnership facilitates student and faculty exchanges as well as research initiatives, with the goal of elevating the quality and impact of each university’s scholarship and

New podcast spotlights Florida Poly alumni lessons and achievements

November 4, 2025

Graduation marks a major milestone in a student’s life, but learning doesn’t stop there. A new podcast showcases how Florida Polytechnic University alumni continue to grow, adapt and lead in their fields. Now working in high-tech careers across industries, Florida Poly alumni are sharing their personal journeys, insights and lessons they’ve learned on the “The Legacy Podcast,” presented by the

Florida Poly president expands global reach on Florida trade mission to Asia

October 30, 2025

Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson joined the state’s Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and Secretary of State Cord Byrd on a two-week international trade and business development leadership mission to Taiwan and Japan, advancing Florida’s global economic trade strategy. The mission included Florida business, tech, space and academic fields and took place from Oct. 19-29. It was organized by

Florida Poly ranks in nation’s Top 20 for best return on investment

October 28, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University has been ranked among the Top 20 universities in the nation for return on investment (ROI), outperforming some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, according to a new analysis by EDsmart, a publisher of data-driven college ratings. The ranking evaluated 1,755 four-year colleges nationwide and found that Florida Poly offers one of the highest value degrees for

Congressman Franklin hosts cybersecurity face-off at Florida Poly

October 22, 2025

About 200 middle and high school students from Florida’s 18th Congressional District vied for bragging rights as the region’s best cybersecurity team during Congressman Scott Franklin’s third annual Capture the Flag Competition, held at Florida Polytechnic University on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

President Stephenson named to Florida 500 list for second consecutive year

October 21, 2025

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has once again been recognized among Florida’s 500 most influential business leaders by Florida Trend magazine. This marks the second consecutive year that Stephenson has earned a place on the prestigious Florida 500 list.

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Freshman gets to work inside, outside the classroom

April 12, 2022

Students who head to the Student Development Center (SDC) for a workout are likely to encounter Natasha Gattas’ smiling face welcoming them. The Florida Polytechnic University freshman is among the 27 student employees who help keep the fitness center running and its patrons happy. “I work at the front desk at the SDC, greeting people and introducing them to the

Innovative research creates virtual reality tool to help doctors in training

April 5, 2022

Dr. Doga Demirel, assistant chair of Florida Polytechnic University’s Computer Science Department, is creating a leading-edge virtual reality tool to help doctors learn critical medical procedures commonly performed in emergency rooms, during surgery, and in other medical scenarios. VORTeX – the Virtual Operating Room Team Experience – is a virtual reality surgical simulator to assist in physician education and training.

Q&A: Smashing stereotypes and hitting goals, Hailey Skoglund is ready to make a difference

April 5, 2022

When Hailey Skoglund ’22 arrived at Florida Polytechnic University, she made the decision to embrace everything the University had to offer. She became chief justice of the Student Government Association, a Presidential Ambassador, a tutor, and is a student representative on the Florida Poly Foundation Board. Skoglund also is a full-time intern at the Walt Disney Company as she completes

Florida Poly expands athletics with new archery range on campus

March 31, 2022

Just weeks before his graduation with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Florida Polytechnic University student Bruce Hicks is excited to see his vision for a campus archery range come to fruition. Hicks, a nationally ranked archer training for the 2024 Summer Olympics, is founder and captain of the Florida Poly archery team, which trains to compete at the local,

Bottorff joins Florida Poly as VP of administration and finance

March 29, 2022

Dr. Allen Bottorff has joined Florida Polytechnic University as the new vice president of administration and finance. “I’m feeling super excited; it’s an incredible opportunity,” Bottorff said. “I’ve been watching the University’s development and seen its growth. It’s rare to be able to step into a leadership role so early in an institution’s development.” Bottorff most recently worked at Polk

NSF grant funds research at Florida Poly to develop reliable, energy efficient electronic devices

March 24, 2022

Developing error-resilient and highly energy efficient computing platforms for ultra-low power applications will be the focus of a new research at Florida Polytechnic University funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Ashiq Sakib, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, secured the $175,000 grant that could change the landscape of self-powered electronic devices operating on very

Florida Poly graduates earn highest salaries among all public colleges in Florida

March 22, 2022

Florida Polytechnic University graduates earn an average salary of $57,900 one year after graduation, the highest among all state universities, according to the State University System of Florida’s MyFloridaFuture educational research and comparison tool. Florida Poly is the only state university that is 100% dedicated to STEM, and its degrees are aligned to meet the high-tech, high-demand needs of industry

Students Give a Saturday to help others in need

March 21, 2022

For Florida Polytechnic University junior Pressley Hendrix, volunteering and helping has always been second nature. “I grew up volunteering and it always has been part of my life,” said Hendrix, a business analytics major and former Eagle Scout. “Now I try to bring that out in others.” Hendrix again stepped into this familiar role recently when he volunteered to be

Robotics teams take on challengers throughout Florida and the nation

March 17, 2022

Combat and VEX U robotics teams representing Florida Polytechnic University have kicked off the spring competition season with strong showings against their opponents. Two teams from Florida Poly’s Purple Fire Robotics tested their combat robots, Insomnia and Katrina, at the State Fair Frenzy combat competition at the Florida State Fair in Tampa on Feb. 19. Insomnia, a one-pound robot with

Florida PolyCon brings geeky, comic fun back to Lakeland

March 16, 2022

Florida Polytechnic University’s unique daylong celebration of comics, anime, videogames, movies, and all things geek returns to Lakeland, Florida on Saturday, March 19. The student-run Florida PolyCon is one of the University’s largest – and most memorable – traditions. About 2,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is open to the public. The annual event is back after

Florida Poly receives $2.05 million infusion during inaugural Giving Day

March 15, 2022

More than $2 million was raised to support Florida Polytechnic University scholarships, academic departments, and student organizations during the University’s inaugural Giving Day on Monday, March 14. Florida Poly Giving Day 2022 is a 24-hour online fundraising effort to raise money in support of academics, scholarships, student organizations, and more. A total of $2.05 million from 146 donors was raised

Autonomous vehicles inspire leaders at international conference hosted by Florida Poly

March 9, 2022

Global leaders in connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) research and industry gathered at Florida Polytechnic University to discuss developments in the technology and the future of self-driving cars during the annual Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Connected Vehicles. The hybrid conference was virtual on March 7 and on-site at Florida Poly with satellite locations in