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Florida Poly and South Korean university GIST team up to drive global STEM research

November 6, 2025

A new partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and South Korea’s Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) is set to boost academic and research collaboration at both institutions, widely recognized for advancing STEM education. The partnership facilitates student and faculty exchanges as well as research initiatives, with the goal of elevating the quality and impact of each university’s scholarship and

New podcast spotlights Florida Poly alumni lessons and achievements

November 4, 2025

Graduation marks a major milestone in a student’s life, but learning doesn’t stop there. A new podcast showcases how Florida Polytechnic University alumni continue to grow, adapt and lead in their fields. Now working in high-tech careers across industries, Florida Poly alumni are sharing their personal journeys, insights and lessons they’ve learned on the “The Legacy Podcast,” presented by the

Florida Poly president expands global reach on Florida trade mission to Asia

October 30, 2025

Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson joined the state’s Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and Secretary of State Cord Byrd on a two-week international trade and business development leadership mission to Taiwan and Japan, advancing Florida’s global economic trade strategy. The mission included Florida business, tech, space and academic fields and took place from Oct. 19-29. It was organized by

Florida Poly ranks in nation’s Top 20 for best return on investment

October 28, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University has been ranked among the Top 20 universities in the nation for return on investment (ROI), outperforming some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, according to a new analysis by EDsmart, a publisher of data-driven college ratings. The ranking evaluated 1,755 four-year colleges nationwide and found that Florida Poly offers one of the highest value degrees for

Congressman Franklin hosts cybersecurity face-off at Florida Poly

October 22, 2025

About 200 middle and high school students from Florida’s 18th Congressional District vied for bragging rights as the region’s best cybersecurity team during Congressman Scott Franklin’s third annual Capture the Flag Competition, held at Florida Polytechnic University on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

President Stephenson named to Florida 500 list for second consecutive year

October 21, 2025

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has once again been recognized among Florida’s 500 most influential business leaders by Florida Trend magazine. This marks the second consecutive year that Stephenson has earned a place on the prestigious Florida 500 list.

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Q&A: Payton Barnwell reaches for the stars literally

May 1, 2019

Payton Barnwell’s ’19 true fascination with space led her to stellar opportunities in the aerospace industry while at Florida Poly. The mechanical engineering major from Tampa, Florida, was awarded the prestigious Brooke Owens Fellowship in 2018, which enabled her to intern at Generation Orbit Launch Services in Atlanta, Georgia. She also earned a NASA internship, researching how to grow food

Presidential Ambassador Program welcomes new members

April 26, 2019

Florida Polytechnic University announced its 2019-20 Class of Presidential Ambassadors, welcoming 10 new members to the distinguished student program. The annual induction ceremony was held Tuesday, April 23, at the Aula Magna in the Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building. The new class of Presidential Ambassadors is comprised of 19 students who were appointed by the University president to serve

Florida Polytechnic University seniors shine at first Capstone Design Showcase

April 25, 2019

LAKELAND, Fla.– More than 200 students impressed an eager crowd of industry and community leaders as they presented their capstone projects during the inaugural Capstone Design Showcase held Wednesday, April 24 at the Saddle Creek Logistics Commons in the Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building. The students have been working on industry-focused projects for the entire school year with the

Spirit Week Aims to help Students De-Stress from Finals

April 24, 2019

The end of semester is here for Florida Polytechnic University students. The Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building commons is packed with students, guests from end of the year showcases and expos, and white boards are filled to the brink with math equations. Finals week is coming. The last couple of weeks leading up to finals can be the most

Q&A: Austin Lubetkins developing software that changes lives

April 23, 2019

Computer Science major Austin Lubetkin ‘19 isn’t the average college student. He’s also an inventor, accomplished artist, entrepreneur, and activist. Lubetkin who is from Boca Raton, Florida has a passion for developing technology that improves the lives of people with disabilities. During his time at Florida Poly he has started a business, filed for a patent, and presented his biometric

Saddle Creek Logistic Services receives inaugural Florida Polytechnic University #ChangeMaker Award

April 22, 2019

LAKELAND, Fl.– Almost 100 community and business leaders and University supporters came together to celebrate Florida Polytechnic University’s Founders Day on Friday, April 19, 2019. Even though the festivities were brought indoors by bad weather, spirits were high as Dr. Randy Avent, Florida Poly president, presented Saddle Creek Logistic Services with the University’s first annual #ChangeMaker Award. “This award honors

Q&A: Alison Hart follows passion for a challenge into the world of cybersecurity

April 17, 2019

Auburndale, Florida native Alison Hart ’19 has always had a passion for cybersecurity. Hart, who is majoring in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity, is a lifelong learner who has excelled at Florida Polytechnic University as a programing teaching assistant, Presidential Ambassador, and is currently working as an information technology contractor at Badcock Home Furniture & More. She’s already

Local leaders take the helm of Florida Polytechnic University’s Foundation Board

April 17, 2019

LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board of Directors has elected Lakeland businesswoman Alice Hunt as its new chair. The new vice-chair is Jack Harrell III, senior vice president of marketing, sales and R&D at Harrell’s LLC in Lakeland. Hunt has an extensive path of industry expertise and community involvement. She founded Hunt Construction of Central Florida with

Florida Polytechnic University sophomore discovering path from zero to data hero

April 16, 2019

Florida Polytechnic University student Leanne Paquin is only 18 and she’s already walking the hallways of Saddle Creek Logistics Services with the confidence of an expert data analyst. In reality, she’s only just beginning. Paquin is a sophomore majoring in Business Analytics, fulfilling her dream of interning at a major company she’s known her whole life. “Growing up in Polk

Dozens of math whizzes compete at Florida Polytechnic Universitys Integral Bee

April 15, 2019

Florida Polytechnic University celebrated its third Integral Bee, an annual contest to determine who is the fastest at solving math problems known as integrals. The event has become a tradition at the University with the purpose of making mathematics more approachable and enjoyable to students. It was organized by the Math Club and supported by the math department. “The goal

Florida Polytechnic University Game EXPO brings innovation and industry together

April 12, 2019

“Pick your car, choose your color, and get ready to battle,” said Christina Thomas, one of the nearly 50 Florida Poly students who presented their online games at the University’s fifth annual Florida Poly Games EXPO on April 11. The senior computer science and information technology major from Stuart, FL helped players prepare their vehicles and then unleashed them to

Q&A: Vamsi Hanumanthu chases opportunity after game-changing experience at Florida Polytechnic University

April 10, 2019

When computer science major Saivamsi Krishna Hanumanthu ’19 left Raleigh, North Carolina, to attend college at Florida Poly, he knew he wanted to make the most of his experience. And boy has he done just that. Since moving to Lakeland, Florida, “Vamsi,” as the Florida Poly community knows him, has taken on every challenge that’s come his way. He’s excelled