
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.

Dr. Chris Kelley, whose work in advancing Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and wearable care technology is garnering national attention, has been selected to join the celebrated ranks of Fulbright Specialists by the U.S. State Department.

The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees is welcoming two new members whose expertise will further strengthen the institution’s position as a driving force in STEM education. The appointments bring a fresh perspective in entrepreneurship and law, as well as in the tech and defense industries.

Florida Polytechnic University and Applus+ IDIADA, a global leader in automotive design, engineering, testing and homologation services, have established a strategic partnership to expand educational and research opportunities on an international scale.

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, was formally inducted into the esteemed Royal European Academy of Doctors this week, representing a defining achievement in his leadership journey and reinforcing the University’s expanding international presence.

With the average cost of a four-year degree continuing to soar, 81% of American college students now believe tuition is out of control, according to a recent WalletHub survey. The report also reveals growing concerns over student debt, job prospects and the overall return on investment in a college education.

Dr. Brad Thiessen has been named provost and vice president of academic affairs of Florida Polytechnic University, where he will serve as the institution’s chief academic officer, guiding the quality, integrity and advancement of its academic mission.

Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) and Florida Polytechnic University have announced a strategic affiliation aimed at creating a seamless pathway from undergraduate STEM education to professional medical training.

Florida Polytechnic University reached a significant milestone on Sunday, May 4, as it celebrated its largest commencement ceremony to date. More than 330 students earned in-demand degrees at the state’s only all-STEM public university, ready to make important contributions to their industries.

Among the more than 330 Phoenixes who will celebrate their high-demand STEM degrees during Florida Polytechnic University’s commencement on Sunday, May 4, are brothers Dimitri and Taki Tsetsekas, campus leaders and business partners from Palm Harbor, Florida.

The Florida Polytechnic University experience has been transformative for Prisca Chavannes ’25. She arrived as a quiet freshman from Lehigh Acres, Florida, and has grown into a confident and driven campus leader.

Maria Valencia ’25 will be proud to represent her family when she receives her bachelor’s degree in data science from Florida Polytechnic University on Sunday, May 4. She said she is honored to show what she has done with the opportunities her mother worked so hard for.

Florida Polytechnic University graduate student Carson Eelman’s entrepreneurial pitch for a high-tech asthma monitoring device earned him second place at the 2025 Florida Blue Healthcare Pitch Competition on April 25, at the University of South Florida.
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.