
Five Florida Poly faculty among world’s top 2% of scientists
Research advancing scientific knowledge and technology has earned five Florida Polytechnic University faculty members a place on Stanford University’s 2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists list.

Research advancing scientific knowledge and technology has earned five Florida Polytechnic University faculty members a place on Stanford University’s 2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists list.

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been named to Florida Trend magazine’s prestigious Florida 500 list for the third straight year, recognizing his leadership and growing influence in advancing STEM education and economic development.

Florida Polytechnic University’s new athletics program has received its first philanthropic gift, a $60,000 contribution from longtime Lakeland residents Bob and Deedra Knight. The milestone donation marks an exciting step forward for Florida Poly Athletics as the University builds its inaugural sports teams and gains support from the local community.

The Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE) announced today that its Board of Directors has voted to grant accreditation to Florida Polytechnic University, marking the Commission’s first accreditation decision since its founding in 2025.

University and international leaders gathered at Florida Polytechnic University on Wednesday, Oct. 21, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the U.S. State Department’s Fulbright Program alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The Florida Polytechnic University Police Department has become the first law enforcement agency in the nation to integrate an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle into its operations. The manned aircraft, dubbed Astro in a double nod to science and the dog from the classic Jetsons cartoon, marks Florida Poly’s entry into the rapidly developing field of advanced air
Earning a Florida Polytechnic University degree in computer science and information technology has added some magic to senior Andre Goode’s life. Disney magic, that is. On May 4, Goode is graduating from Florida Poly cum laude, as part of the university’s first four-year class. After graduation, the Weston, Florida native will begin working in a full-time position with The Walt
One of the most distinguished student programs at Florida Poly welcomed 10 new members, Monday, April 23, at its annual induction ceremony held in the Innovation, Science and Technology Building’s Aula Magna auditorium. The Presidential Ambassadors are made up of 16 students who are selected based on their academic standing, leadership, skills, citizenship and service citations. “You get a lot
Florida Polytechnic University has qualified for the first time to compete at the prestigious VEX Robotics World Championship, which is being held April 25-28 in Louisville, Kentucky. A total of 87 robotics teams from all over the world will compete at the college level. Florida Poly’s Purple Fire robotics team is one of only two Florida teams that qualified. The
Nearly a dozen Florida Polytechnic University employees are being recognized for their commitment and dedication in a variety of areas including teaching, research, and service to others. Ablaze, as the awards program is known, was launched this year to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of the university’s 300 faculties and staff in making Florida Poly a world-class leader in science,
Senior Michelle Holzemer knew she was taking a risk when she joined the inaugural class at Florida Poly and committed to attend a university that hadn’t yet finished construction on its signature academic building and wasn’t yet accredited. In the four years since then, Holzemer has come a long way – and says the risk has been well worth it.
LAKELAND, Fla. – A group of Florida Polytechnic University students have taken on the mission of making the City of Winter Haven a “smart community” to better prepare it for the challenges of the future. The Winter Haven Economic Development Council (WHEDC) partnered with the City of Winter Haven and Florida Polytechnic University to take the first steps into making
LAKELAND, Fla. – A team of students from Florida Polytechnic University impressed the judges at the 2018 Governor’s Cup and won third place and $1,000 with their innovative scanning device. The “Shark Tank” style competition featured teams from nine state universities. Andre Ripley, a junior computer engineering major from the U.S. Virgin Islands, John Sarnecky, a junior mechanical engineering major
LAKELAND, Fla. – More than 300 Girl Scouts, and girls in general, will conquer the hallways and labs of Florida Polytechnic University on Saturday, April 14, for an exciting, hands-on event focused on science, technology, engineering and math. Florida Poly, the only public university in the state dedicated exclusively to STEM, will host STEMapalooza for the first time. The event
For the first time, a group of Florida Polytechnic University students will launch a rocket as part of a statewide competition sponsored by NASA’s Florida Space Grant Consortium (FSGC). The launch date is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, in Bunnell, Florida. The team of six students, called the Phoenix Flyers, has been preparing intensively for this hybrid motor high powered
The day a Florida Polytechnic University admissions counselor visited Marshall Bassford’s high school changed the course of his entire future. A brilliant student, Bassford completed an associate’s degree in creative writing while still in high school and planned to continue as a writer once in college. But his plans changed when he learned about the new university dedicated to science,
Florida Polytechnic University senior Danya Rubio has certainly made the most of the past four years. After she graduates on May 4, the Auburndale, Florida, native won’t have far to go to start her life as a professional working in the high-tech world. Rubio will begin her career as an engineer with Sofidel, the nation’s second largest tissue paper distributor
A Florida Polytechnic University delegation is in Brazil this week looking to build strategic alliances with universities and high-tech companies in South America’s largest country. The contingent includes Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Poly, Shahram Taj, professor of logistics and supply chain management, Dr. Mustafa Ilhan Akbas, professor of computer science, and Mustapha Achoubane, associate director of international