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.
(Chicago, IL) – The Innovation, Science and Technology Building (IST) at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, Fla., has earned national recognition in the 2015 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel awards program (IDEAS2). In honor of this achievement, members of the project team will be presented with awards from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) during
The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees voted today to name the university’s campus the John David “JD” Alexander Campus after Senator JD Alexander, Florida Poly’s founder. The naming is also subject to the approval of the Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board, as required under the university’s policy of Naming of Buildings and Facilities. “Senator Alexander recognized the need for
The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation is raising money to support student scholarships and the university’s innovative mission during #GivingTuesday on December 1. #GivingTuesday is a global movement dedicated to charitable giving during the holiday season. It’s held on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Funds raised by the Florida Polytechnic University Foundation during #GivingTuesday will help to
High school students starting their college journeys face a long list of important tasks like preparing for and taking SAT and ACT exams, completing college applications, applying for financial aid and scholarships and selecting the right major. For students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degrees, there’s a new website – STEMStudy.com – designed to help them (and their parents)
Dr. Melba Horton’s three biology classes (BSC1010) shared their group projects in the IST Commons November 18 and 19 in the first BIO (Biology Integrated Outlook) Expo. Groups of between two to four students presented 30 posters that summarized their class projects on innovative concepts inspired by biology. The goal was for Dr. Horton’s students to apply biology to their
Florida Polytechnic University hosted #STEMTalks, a Google+ Hangout on November 12, 2015 titled, “Ask Me Anything: Chief Innovation Officer.” The Hangout featured Jim Stikeleather, Chief Innovation Officer of Dell who discussed topics relating to future trends in STEM and emerging technology in computer engineering and IT. Two Florida Poly students, J. Collin Hoedtke and Kylee White asked Mr. Stikeleather questions
Florida Polytechnic University is hosting #STEMTalks, a Google+ Hangout, at 7 p.m. on November 12, 2015 titled, “Ask Me Anything: Chief Innovation Officer.” The Hangout features Jim Stikeleather, Chief Innovation Officer of Dell who will discuss topics relating to future trends in STEM and emerging technology in computer engineering and IT. Here are the top five things you should know
On Thursday, October 22nd, Florida Polytechnic University hosted the third Google+ Hangout, #STEMTalks. This Google+ Hangout was the third installment of a four part series that featured a panel of technology leaders who discussed the impact of big data, super computers and all things technology. Crystal Lauderdale, the Director of Marketing and Communications at Florida Poly moderated the panel of
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University is hiring. The school is actively recruiting new faculty to meet the demands of an increasing student population. As a brand-new institution, having just entered its second academic year, Florida Poly offers faculty the unique opportunity to build a university from scratch and to work in a startup, academic and research environment all in one.
The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation announced it has raised more than $2 million so far this year to support student scholarships and the University’s innovative mission. Funds were raised in part through the (BePivotal)2 challenge, a $1 million matching contribution the Foundation announced in July. Sponsorships and guest reservations to the Foundation’s annual PIVOT gala also contributed to jumpstart the organization’s
Florida Polytechnic University installed its first president, Dr. Randy K. Avent, at an inauguration ceremony Thursday morning on campus. The event honored Avent, and celebrated the university’s inaugural year achievements, including the opening of the iconic Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building; the arrival of Florida Poly’s first and second classes; and the creation of more than 90 industry partnerships.
The university leader who nominated Dr. Randy K. Avent for the president’s position at Florida Polytechnic University will be one of the featured speakers during Avent’s official inauguration ceremony on October 8. Dr. Blake Thompson, Vice President and Secretary to the Board of Trustees at The Ohio State University, nominated Avent in 2014 while Florida Poly was conducting a nationwide
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.
