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.
An entrepreneurial internship program at Florida Polytechnic University has helped guide about 70 students toward greater business innovation during its first year. With a structured method of support, the Phoenix Flight program helps student teams develop their entrepreneurial ideas and advance them toward potential business success. “This program compliments our senior capstone program to create well-rounded innovators at Florida Poly. Where our
As an engineer for solar technology company CED Greentech, Zachary “Zeus” Unson ’20 helps consumers safely implement the use of solar energy in their homes. Unson, who received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in nanotechnology from Florida Polytechnic University in 2020, is now a solar engineer for the national company at its offices in Tampa, Florida.
LAKELAND, Fla. – Defying national trends in higher education, Florida Polytechnic University is enjoying a significant increase in the number of students applying to and committing to attend the University. Applications at Florida Poly are up 17% over fall 2020 and new student deposits for fall 2021 have increased by a hefty 48%. In addition to a spike in interest
The new Applied Research Center (ARC) being built at Florida Polytechnic University has received full funding by the state Legislature to complete its construction by next spring.
Those dining at Florida Polytechnic University this fall will find tasty new offerings, expanded service hours, and a new face for the culinary team charged with making this part of the on-campus experience a deliciously satisfying one. The changes follow intensive conversations with student groups about what they would like to see added, changed, and maintained at the University’s dining
Forecasters predict a very busy 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and ends on Nov. 30. Florida Polytechnic University urges its students and employees to take early actions to prepare for possible storm impacts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a high probability of 13 to 20 named storms this season. Of those, six to 10 are
LAKELAND, Fla. – A new partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and the prestigious Centro Universitário Facens in Brazil is off to a strong start with the completion of a project that promises to improve traffic congestion in the bustling Brazilian city of Sorocaba. Diego de Paula ’21, who recently his completed his master’s degree in computer science on Florida Poly’s data science track, worked
Florida Polytechnic University’s fleet of 3D printers is getting a high-tech boost. The MakerBot Replicators that have long brought student ideas to life are being phased out and replaced with advanced Prusa MK3S+ and Prusa MINI+ printers. More than 15 Prusa printers will be available for student use by the start of the fall semester. The new printers produce higher
LAKELAND, Fla. – Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been selected as a correspondent academician to the Royal European Academy of Doctors. He will travel to Barcelona, Spain, this fall for an inauguration ceremony, during which he will deliver an inaugural address. “I am honored to be selected to join this revered group of the world’s
Early in his college days at Florida Polytechnic University, Travis Hills ’19 began an internship at Saddle Creek Logistics Services that changed the trajectory of his professional life. “I was a freshman about to be a sophomore, so I was a little odd and nervous, but it was a good opportunity, and it was definitely right for me,” said Hills,
After an academic year stymied by COVID-19 restrictions and limits on in-person events, the Florida Polytechnic University Student Government Association (SGA) is ready to go big in the coming academic year. New SGA leaders recently were elected, including executive board members Samantha Ashby, president; Antonio Hendricks, vice president; Victoria Correa Andrade, chief of staff; and Jake Greenberg, treasurer. “This past
A scholarship program, supporting talented students in achieving their technology-fueled goals at Florida Polytechnic University, received a significant boost from the family of one of the school’s first and biggest advocates.
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.
