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. – Florida Polytechnic University today held its first in-person #STEMTalks event titled “Disrupting Markets, One Person – or Fingerprint – at a Time,” with a keynote by Co-founder and CEO of K4Connect F. Scott Moody, one of the founders behind the fingerprint sensor technology used in many Apple products. The event at Florida Poly’s Innovation, Science and Technology (IST)
Tallahassee – Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jim Boxold today announced a long-term partnership between FDOT and Florida Polytechnic University to construct the new, state-of-the-art transportation technology testing facility, SunTrax. The creation of this facility will establish Florida as a transportation technology leader and create a high-tech hub for the research, development and testing of emerging transportation technologies related to
Matt Edwards admits with a grin that he’s “a bit of a perfectionist.” So it’s not a surprise he chose a career in logistics. “If you can find a job that suits your personality, that’s what you need to pursue,” Matt says. Now in his junior year at Florida Polytechnic University, Matt, of Bartow, Fla., is taking his own advice.
A medical clinic for low-income families can serve the community more efficiently and explore new funding options thanks to the work of two Florida Polytechnic University students. The Haley Center in Winter Haven, Fla., provides free primary health care to qualified residents in Polk County. It’s a critical service in a county where an estimated 20 percent of the population
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees Chairman, Frank T. Martin, has been inducted in the 2016 American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Hall of Fame. The APTA Awards Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring individuals who have long and distinguished careers in the transportation industry and have made extraordinary contributions to public transportation over the years. The
Two prestigious leadership development programs have selected Florida Polytechnic University employees for upcoming classes. Mary Church, assistant director of development, has been admitted to Leadership Tampa Bay. Jessica Throckmorton, government relations and external affairs coordinator, was selected for Leadership Orlando. “I am excited to be part of an elite group of leaders from the Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas and Pasco counties,”
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University is pleased to feature Co-founder and CEO of K4Connect, F. Scott Moody, as keynote speaker at its industry partnership and thought leadership event on September 30. Moody is best known as the co-founder and former chairman/CEO of AuthenTec, a leading provider of fingerprint sensor technology, which was acquired by Apple in 2012. The AuthenTec fingerprint
Tova Jones relies on more than books to gain knowledge. Sure, classroom instruction at Florida Polytechnic University has given this sophomore greater understanding of science and technology. But nothing can replace the real-world experience that comes from internships and networking. Some past events Tova has attended include a weeklong Women’s Business Enterprise National Council conference and Emory University’s INROADS Leadership Summit.
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University will soon break ground on a new and vastly expanded, state-of-the-art wellness and aquatics center on campus, helping students match the rigors of their classroom academics with the value of health and fitness. The yet-to-be-named facility will be shaped like a phoenix, the Florida Poly mascot, and include a range of facilities for strength,
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University starts its third academic year on Monday, August 22, welcoming more than 1,300 students – a record high enrollment for Florida’s newest university and more than double the university’s 2014 opening enrollment. The incoming class at Florida Poly has an average GPA of 3.8 and an average SAT score of 1734. Florida Poly has
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s iconic Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building in Lakeland now ranks as one of the 16 “most breathtaking” buildings in the world, according to a survey of architects, placing it alongside iconic structures such as the Parthenon in Greece, the Empire State Building and Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Fallingwater” residence. Business Insider’s “Tech Insider” magazine surveyed 16 prominent
Karla Martinez plans to go toe-to-toe with terrorism after college. “I have a strong sense of patriotism, so national defense is big for me,” Karla explains. “I want to pair that with the challenge of cyber security.” Getting that dream job at the Department of Homeland Security isn’t going to happen overnight, but Karla is taking steps to get there.
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.
