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Florida Polytechnic University Men’s Soccer player Fernando Martinez during the University’s first media day.

Florida Poly’s student-athletes take center stage at inaugural media day

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) 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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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Update on working remotely for qualified employees

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit our webpage for resources and additional information. March 16, 5:30 p.m. Dear employees, For the safety and well-being of the Florida Poly community, and in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Florida Poly is encouraging all qualified employees to work from home for at least two

Update on remote instruction, travel, and events

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit our webpage for resources and additional information. March 12, 3 p.m. Dear Florida Poly community, The University continues taking significant steps to protect our students, faculty, staff, and the Polk County community from the ongoing global COVID-19 outbreak. It’s important to remember that although the

Florida Poly moving to a mandatory two-week period of remote instruction

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. March 11, 3 p.m. Dear Florida Poly community, Your health and safety is our top priority and we have been working to ensure our campus environment is as safe and clean as possible. With that said, we need

Florida Poly senior rockets toward SpaceX dream job

Airplanes, rockets, and all that lies beyond our world have always fascinated Geoffrey Doback. The Florida Polytechnic University senior dreamed about working for NASA when he was just a child. As he entered middle school, Doback learned about SpaceX, a private aerospace and transportation company working to revolutionize space technology and eventually enable people to live on other planets. That

State bill proposing to merge Florida Poly with University of Florida ends

House Bill 7087 A state bill in the Florida House of Representatives that proposed to merge Florida Polytechnic University and New College of Florida into the University of Florida. The bill was abandoned on March 6, 2020. Editorials/Statements Lawmakers, put brakes on university merger plan (The Ledger, Mar. 6, 2020) Florida House Republicans are trying to merge three state universities,

Florida Poly ranked #2 for best affordable mechanical engineering degree

Florida Polytechnic University has been ranked number two in the nation for delivering quality, affordable mechanical engineering education by Affordable Schools. The website provides resources to help college-bound students find high-quality, affordable programs. The site’s list of the best affordable mechanical engineering degree programs ranked Florida Poly second only to University of the District of Columbia. “Florida Poly is incredibly

State of Florida declares public health emergency

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. March 4, 3:30 p.m. Dear Florida Poly community, We continue to closely monitor the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and are taking steps to help keep our students, faculty, and staff healthy. There have been no confirmed cases of

Founding trustee honored by Florida Poly Board of Trustees

The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees approved a resolution honoring former Trustee Richard “Dick” Hallion for his dedication and service to the board and the University during its meeting on Feb. 26. “When the Board of Trustees of Florida Polytechnic University had its first meeting back in 2012, we met in city hall using the city commission chambers and

Florida Poly alum helping smart cities be smarter

As metropolitan areas continue transitioning to the “smart cities” of tomorrow, Florida Polytechnic University alum Mitchell Mefford ’18 is working with community and industry leaders to help ensure their organizations are wise when it comes to energy. Mefford is a graduate engineer at Pennoni, a multidisciplinary engineering firm based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He works in the company’s offices in Winter

Purple Fire Robotics battles to number one in statewide competition

For the first time, the Purple Fire Robotics Club got to enjoy the sweet taste of victory. The Florida Polytechnic University team not only grabbed its first win in a statewide combat tournament, but they crushed their competitors on their way to becoming undeniable battle champions. The Purple Fire team competed in the 15-pound category at the Robot Battles Tournament

Entrepreneur and tech funder to speak at Florida Poly’s 2020 commencement

Renowned Florida entrepreneur Tom E. Wallace has been named commencement speaker for Florida Polytechnic University’s spring 2020 graduation on May 3. Wallace said he’s excited with this new role because the University is exactly what the state was lacking to elevate its tech potential to the likes of Silicon Valley. “I’ve been involved in building the technology ecosystem of the

Florida Poly students stand together against proposed UF merger

A student-led effort to express support for Florida Polytechnic University and opposition to a proposed merger with the University of Florida transformed the serene Oak Grove into a setting of boisterous unity on Tuesday, Feb. 25. “We are making a stand today to show that Florida Poly is unique and has a great education system with hands-on, project-based learning 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.