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), 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.
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.
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.
Phoenix Racing crossed the finish line to place third among U.S. teams and sixth overall in its debut at the biennial Electrek American Solar Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 1.
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.
Mark Ellis was only in kindergarten when he picked up a Nintendo GameCube controller and discovered a technology that would shape his life. He embraced the world of Lego Star Wars and soon dove headfirst into new and exciting games every chance he could get. Sunday, Sept. 12, is Video Games Day, and Ellis will likely spend part of the
As hurricane season nears its peak on Sept. 10 and the National Hurricane Center continues monitoring potential storm systems in the Atlantic, it’s important for everyone at Florida Polytechnic University to make sure they are prepared. September is National Preparedness Month, and the annual campaign encourages all Americans to prepare for disasters and other emergencies through the end of hurricane
The Florida Board of Governors has given the green light to a public-private partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and Fortune 500 company International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) during its meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Florida International University.
An effort to shift chemistry lab practices and reduce the amount of hazardous waste produced during the completion of student lab experiments has won Florida Polytechnic University Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) a national award for innovation. Dr. Scott Wallen, chemistry lab staff in the Department of Environmental Engineering at the University, and the team received the 2021 Innovation –
With an agenda that includes strengthening student organizations, increasing student resources, and helping the University community move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, Samantha Ashby has hit the ground running in her new position as Student Government Association president at Florida Polytechnic University. “Right now, the big focus is coming back after a year of being partially online because of COVID,” said
Phoenixes seeking to satisfy a craving for tasty, healthy food are finding a pleasant slate of updates across the Florida Polytechnic University campus. The most prominent of these is the Fire + Ash: Concepts Reborn, a new dining venue inside the Wellness Center that offers a specialized, in-demand menu for several weeks before transitioning to a different food concept. The
The fall 2021 class of incoming students is the largest in Florida Polytechnic University’s history with more than 625 new students joining the University from an applicant pool of almost 2,000.
When Rikkote Benfele made his way across Florida Polytechnic University’s campus on the first day of class on Tuesday, Aug. 24, he said he knew he’d made the right decision when it came to choosing a college. “My first day has been amazing and people are so nice here,” said Benfele, a freshman majoring in computer engineering. Benfele stopped by
New and returning Florida Polytechnic University students took part in busy move-in and orientation activities on campus on Aug. 21-23 just before classes begin on Tuesday, Aug. 24. “I’m a little nervous, but I’m also excited,” said Zoe McClanahan, a freshman mechanical engineering major from Covington, Virginia, who moved into the residence halls over the weekend. “I chose Florida Poly for the
Presidential Ambassadors, orientation leaders, peer health educators, education assistants, and other student leaders at Florida Polytechnic University are gaining a deep understanding of leadership skills and techniques during the inaugural Florida Poly U Lead student leadership initiative. U Lead works to help guide, educate, and support students in leadership roles across campus. The weeklong initiative began on Monday, Aug. 16
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University has been ranked as No. 25 in the United States among the 100 most affordable computer engineering programs by University HQ, an independent educational organization. With low in-state tuition and a robust program, Florida Poly’s computer engineering program ranks ahead of institutions such as the University of Central Florida, Tennessee State University, and the
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.
