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.
A persistent voice urging Lavendar Phan not to settle pushed her to chart her own course to professional success. Unafraid to pivot and try something new, Phan has gone from governmental consultant to Google account executive in 10 short years, discovering new strengths and passions along the way. Phan shared her story with the Florida Polytechnic University community during the
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees has a new chair. Trustee Cliff Otto, former CEO of Saddle Creek Logistics Services, has been named chair for a two-year term. Trustee Mark Bostick will serve as vice chair. Otto recently retired from Saddle Creek Logistics Services, a renowned supply chain solutions company based in Lakeland. He was first
Florida Polytechnic University students, faculty, and staff are ready for one of the school’s most popular traditions, and this time the action goes virtual. The annual Florida Poly Pi Run, which traditionally takes place on March 14 to celebrate the mathematical constant of pi, was delayed as COVID-19 forced the cancellation of on-campus events this spring. Although the original date
A bolder, more energized Florida Polytechnic University Phoenix was unveiled on June 26, culminating a thoughtful design process that incorporated student opinions and guidance. “The moment I saw the design, all I could say was ‘wow’ because it truly represents Florida Poly and its students,” said sophomore Maggie Delgado, who is majoring in business analytics. “I absolutely love the new
Senior Alan Longfellow is spending the summer gaining valuable real-world research experience that will help fuel his aerospace dreams. Longfellow, who is majoring in mechanical engineering with a concentration in advanced topics, is completing a summer internship with Dr. Sesha Srinivasan, chair of Florida Polytechnic University’s Department of Natural Sciences, in collaboration with Global Clean Diesel, which is based in
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Police Department is scheduled for a compliance assessment as part of an effort to achieve law enforcement accreditation by verifying it meets professional standards administered by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). The accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-of-the-art standards in four basic areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations,
ORLANDO, Fla. – On Tuesday, the Florida Board of Governors approved Florida Polytechnic University’s plan for resuming its on-campus operations in the fall. The Blueprint for Returning to Campus details the steps the University is taking to provide a healthy environment for students, faculty, and staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to deliver a high-quality STEM education. The plan
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. Florida Poly Students, The Florida Poly Blueprint for Returning to Campus was delivered to all students last week. This message provides some key summary details. Fall 2020 courses will begin on Thursday, August 20. This is FIVE DAYS
Florida Polytechnic University partnered with State Rep. Colleen Burton to donate 10,000 face masks to multiple local nonprofit organizations to help them continue their essential work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The masks were donated to VISTE (Volunteers in Service to the Elderly), LVIM (Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine), Talbot House Ministries, and AFI (Alliance for Independence). Representatives of the organizations met
Florida Polytechnic University has launched a totally new website experience dedicated to offering all users an easy and effective way to get the information they need and want. “In addition to a brand-new design that showcases the spirit and culture of the Florida Poly community, the new website greatly improves the user experience,” said Laura Neff-Henderson, Florida Poly’s director of
Mentorship made all the difference to Microsoft senior consultant Adam McCullough when he underwent an abrupt career shift about 10 years ago. After his job at Kennedy Space Center ended and he found himself repairing computers for Lockheed Martin, McCullough befriended colleague Garrison Thompson and the two built a lasting mentor relationship. “Garrison changed my life,” McCullough said to a
While her Florida Polytechnic University peers were studying for finals and adjusting to remote education this spring, mechanical engineering major Spc. Brooke Smith’s unit with the Florida Army National Guard was activated to help with COVID-19 testing in Jacksonville, Florida. “It was good to see how everyone came together,” Smith said, from Lakeland, Florida. “We got to our mission and
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.
