Gov. Ron DeSantis approved $19 million for Florida Polytechnic University in the state’s 2026-2027 budget on Monday, June 29, fueling the University’s continued growth and expansion as Florida’s only public STEM university.
Florida Polytechnic University had the largest one-year performance gain among all state universities in the Florida Board of Governors’ 2025-26 Performance-Based Funding Model, earning a score of 87 out of 100 and securing nearly $11 million in performance funding.
Florida Polytechnic University graduates earn the highest salaries among alumni from Florida’s public universities five years after graduation, according to a recent analysis by the Tampa Bay Business Journal based on new Florida Department of Education data.
The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board of Directors has new leadership, five new members, and five reappointed community leaders. The Florida Poly Board of Trustees approved the appointments on May 22.
Few coaches can match a resume that includes winning an NBA championship alongside Michael Jordan and leading a college program to sustained success on the national stage. Dennis Hopson has done both. Florida Poly has named Hopson as the first head coach of its Men’s Basketball program.
David Zambrano ’26 is on the pioneering edge of a field that has the potential to one day replace modern electronics. He is advancing research in silicon photonics – a technology that uses light instead of electricity to transmit and process data.
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University is set to hold its signature philanthropic event of the year, PIVOT, aimed at raising money to fund scholarships and strategic University priorities. It will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at the Saddle Creek Logistics Commons in the Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, located at 4700 Research Way, in Lakeland, Florida. The
Florida Polytechnic University students and alumni were among more than 5,000 who converged on Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, this week for the 2019 Synapse Summit. The annual conference is aimed at bringing together organizations and people from around the state who are driving innovation and accelerating success. Florida Poly sponsored the event, which included hundreds of companies showing off
Florida Polytechnic University welcomed Erica Lutes, the executive director of the Commission for Educational Exchange between the United States, Belgium and Luxembourg – otherwise known as Fulbright Belgium and Luxembourg – to its Lakeland, Florida, campus on Jan. 16. Lutes toured the campus and met with University administration, faculty, and students. She was also presented with a medallion as a
Florida Polytechnic University debuted its Innovation Speaker Series, Jan. 17, at its Innovation, Science, and Technology Building. The University welcomed Jim Thomas, the chief executive officer of the Central Florida Tech Alliance (CFTA), who spoke to a gathering of students, faculty, and community members. The theme of Thomas’ lecture centered on Central Florida’s position as a global tech leader in
LAKELAND, Fla. – A group of Florida Polytechnic University students and a faculty member are working on research funded by a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) grant aimed at streamlining the manufacturing and efficiency of handheld radiation detectors, which could be used at nuclear sites as well as for border patrol. “Radiation detection plays an invaluable role in confirming that
Florida Polytechnic University students and faculty recently participated in a high-level workshop that explored principles and real-world applications of spectroscopy. Ocean Optics, Inc., a leading manufacturer of fiber optics-based modular spectrometers based in Largo, Florida, showcased its products by engaging in live demonstrations with the academic contingent. “The goal of the visit was to share our applied spectral knowledge with
More than 70 students became Florida Polytechnic University graduates in December 2018 as the University’s alumni roll continues to grow. One of those newly minted alumni is Joshua Rentrope, who received a degree in computer science and is already on the path to fulfilling his entrepreneurial dreams. “I got a lot of experience in just four years,” said Rentrope. “From
The 2018 calendar year was a great one for Florida Polytechnic University, filled with growth and achievements.
Each year, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awards $200 million in funding to entrepreneurs through its congressionally-mandated Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Recently, one of the 11 program directors responsible for deciding who gets funded, took part in the Florida Polytechnic University Entrepreneurial Speakers Series to detail SBIR and STTR opportunities for students
More than 50 business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the Orlando region had front row seats to Florida Polytechnic University president Randy K. Avent, as he described the school’s path since its inception and how it’s already making its mark as Florida’s newest public university. “It’s easier to make an impact when you’re big. But to make an impact when
Dolls, puzzles, coloring books, race cars, balls, and games were some of the hundreds of toys that inundated the Florida Polytechnic University Police Department headquarters. The items were part of the largest annual toy drive the agency has organized for children who are spending the holiday season in a hospital room at the Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. “We have
We wish you a very pleasant winter break and holiday season. Below outlines closures and activities available throughout the winter holiday break. We look forward to seeing you back on campus on Monday, January 7, 2019. Housing Residence Halls Saturday, Dec. 15: Residence Halls close at noon Saturday, Jan. 5: Residence Halls open for returning students at 8 a.m. Note:
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.
