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The Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE) and representatives from Florida Polytechnic University gather during CPHE’s inaugural site visit at the institution on Aug. 5-6.

Commission for Public Higher Education completes first accreditation site visit at Florida Polytechnic University

August 10, 2026

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.

Florida Polytechnic University employees watch the live broadcast of a NASA diver performing an underwater test of the University’s student-designed tool dock as part of NASA’s Micro-g NExT Challenge.

NASA tests Florida Poly student-designed tool to improve spacewalks

August 7, 2026

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.

Florida Polytechnic University senior Avery Reef at his internship location, Watts Water Technologies.

Student internship brings product development ideas to life

August 6, 2026

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 at Florida Polytechnic University crosses the finish line and take third place among U.S. teams in the American Solar Challenge cross-country solar vehicle race.

Phoenix Racing finishes 3rd among U.S. teams in cross-country solar race debut

August 4, 2026

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 President Anastasios Kamoutsas and Florida Polytechnic University President Devin Stephenson sign an expanded transfer agreement July 30 at Florida Poly’s Barnett Applied Research Center, joined by legislators, trustees, industry representatives and students.

Polk State and Florida Poly partner to build regional STEM pipeline

July 30, 2026

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.

Florida Poly electrical engineering student Cooper Hawk at The Haskell Company in Jacksonville where he is an intern this summer.

Florida Poly student designs electrical systems for real-world impact

July 28, 2026

When Cooper Hawk began searching for his first engineering internship, he was looking for more than a typical summer job. He wanted hands-on experience with real impact.
The Florida Polytechnic University electrical engineering student found exactly that with The Haskell Company in Jacksonville, Florida,

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Presidential Ambassadors adapt, take flight for new academic year

August 21, 2020

As Florida Polytechnic University starts the fall 2020 semester under new guidelines and safety measures due to COVID-19, a group of 12 students is adapting to the changes and ready to take flight as campus leaders. The new class of Presidential Ambassadors just finished a two-day orientation under the theme Flight Academy, in which they completed a series of lectures

Purple Fire Weekends welcome students back to campus

August 20, 2020

Purple Fire Week has become one of Florida Polytechnic University’s most beloved traditions. And although the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the event to embrace some changes this year, it is back and bigger than ever. The fun-filled week has been expanded to Purple Fire Weekends, beginning on Aug. 21 and continuing through Sept. 6. The events feature physically distanced, outdoor,

Student body president gears up for busy and unusual academic year

August 19, 2020

As students return to campus for the start of the 2020-2021 academic year, Connor Coddington is getting ready to tackle far more than a busy course schedule. “It’s definitely an exciting time right now,” said Coddington, Florida Polytechnic University’s new student body president. “There’s a lot going on and I think we’ll probably be able to make a lot of

Move-in begins at Florida Poly with new COVID-19 precautions

August 18, 2020

Juan Forero pulled into the Florida Polytechnic University campus on Aug. 17 eager to settle into his residence hall room and get started on his senior year. The move-in experience was different than in years past, but Forero welcomed the shift – especially now that the world’s focus has changed to minimizing the spread of COVID-19. “I felt very safe

Florida Poly expands student health resources for fall 2020 semester

August 14, 2020

Student health is a critical priority, particularly as the novel coronavirus continues making its way through our communities. Florida Polytechnic University has created an all-new respiratory clinic for the University community and extended the hours of its existing student Health Clinic. The new respiratory clinic, which is staffed by professionals from Lakeland Regional Health, is located in a separate building

University updates aim to minimize COVID-19 spread on campus

August 13, 2020

When students return to Florida Polytechnic University for classes on Aug. 20, they’ll find that the campus has been transformed into an environment that prioritizes physical distancing and other COVID-19 prevention best practices, without sacrificing the rich university experience. “I think we’ve minimized the opportunity to be exposed to COVID-19 and we’ve provided many opportunities for individuals to practice good

Internship crystallizes the future for mechanical engineering student

August 13, 2020

When Blake Cervone was only an eighth-grader in Davie, Florida, he decided a future in engineering was the right path for him. He pursued challenging coursework at College Academy at Broward College and entered Florida Polytechnic University with aspirations for a successful career. Today, the mechanical engineering major is putting his education into practice in an internship with Kamm Consulting

Spring break travel guidance announced

August 10, 2020

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. February 27, 5 p.m. Dear faculty and staff, The health and safety of our entire University community is our top priority. As spring break approaches, many of you may have plans to travel throughout the state, the nation,

Research team finds new ways to clean up landfill leachate

August 10, 2020

The clean rainwater that seeps into the mountains of trash at Florida’s landfills mixes with liquids in the waste and absorbs chemicals, toxins, and organic materials before exiting as leachate that can potentially pollute waterways. A team of Florida Polytechnic University researchers is working on developing a method of remediating the contaminants in this liquid through a process of solar

Taking Off: The Next to Create a Hero

August 9, 2020

“Impossible” is a meaningless word at Florida Poly. Dorian Alberti can prove it. Back in 2008, the freshman saw the first Iron Man movie in theater. It was love at first sight. The mechanics, the action, engineering; all of it appealed to him. So he decided to make his own Iron Man suit. The Mark I suit was a clunky

Florida Poly delivers standout ROI for nation’s 2 most valuable degrees

August 7, 2020

Degrees in computer science and engineering deliver the highest return on investment (ROI) for college students, according to a new analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. At Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s only university exclusively dedicated to STEM, 85% of students are pursuing these high-value degrees, positioning them for strong career outcomes and long-term success. The analysis by Student Choice,

Research aims to keep critical services humming after disaster

August 6, 2020

When disaster strikes, critical facilities like hospitals, police stations, and military bases can’t afford to be without power for long. Dr. Mohammad Reza Khalghani, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Florida Polytechnic University, is hoping to find novel and practical ways to provide emergency power to these important entities. The project has been funded by Southeast Center