
Florida Poly kicks off women’s soccer program with inaugural head coach
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 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
“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
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
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University and Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) in Estonia, are joining forces to advance the research and application of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology in Florida and Europe. Through a memorandum of understanding, both universities agreed to collaborate on ways to develop this emerging technology for the public transportation sector. “TalTech has demonstrated prototype AV shuttles
Florida Polytechnic University senior Hans Arndt has always had an engineering mindset. He’s always been interested in knowing the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of how things work. As an intern at Wilson & Girgenti, a mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering firm with offices in Tampa, Florida, Hans is able to get hands-on experience before he leaves the classroom. Having already
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.