
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.
What kinds of internships can Florida Polytechnic University students land? What is the background of Florida Poly’s founding President, Dr. Randy K. Avent? These are just some of the questions that participants posed at the University’s recent Google + Hangout, #STEMTalks. On March 31, 2015, Florida Poly hosted its final Google+ Hangout in a three-part series on advanced technology and
University’s degree program in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. Florida Poly’s extensive curriculum provides students the opportunity to earn an Engineering Degree with a special concentration in the cutting-edge field of nanotechnology. Just what is nanotechnology? This emerging field incorporates engineering, chemistry, physics, materials science, biology, and a growing number of other disciplines. Literally, the “science of the small,” nanoscience focuses
What are the top jobs of the future? Which STEM industries are hiring? Florida Polytechnic University President Dr. Randy K. Avent is part of a panel of distinguished STEM experts and leaders who will take part in a virtual Google+ Hangout on March 31, 2015 at 8 p.m. The best part about the University-hosted #STEMTalks is that you do not
LAKELAND, Fla. (March 25, 2015) – Florida Polytechnic University students and officials filled the Florida Capitol on Wednesday during an annual visit with lawmakers. Florida Poly Day at the State Capitol included high-tech displays showcasing the University’s innovative mission, signature campus, applied research initiatives, industry partnerships and economic impact on Florida. Students from Florida Poly’s Inaugural Class were on hand
LAKELAND, Fla. – Thirteen-year-old Christian Herman is proof that innovation can occur at any age. The Lakeland Christian School seventh-grader has invented a pencil grip that helps children improve their handwriting skills – and he’s done it with a little help from the lab team at Florida Polytechnic University. Constructed using one of Florida Poly’s Makerbot 3D printers, the pencil
Welcome to the STEM-enabled world. As the U.S. transitions to a knowledge-based economy, STEM – or science, technology, engineering and mathematics – increasingly defines how we live and determines our future. STEM informs most every groundbreaking idea that is propelling our technology-driven society, from Apple’s new Smart watch to Amazon’s futuristic delivery drones to Google contact lenses that monitor blood-sugar
Accusoft, a Florida Poly industry partner, knows how to reach and build relationships with talented STEM students keen on a career in high technology. Accusoft, which designs and builds products and tools for developers, has organized an all-day virtual DeathMatch, which will take place on campus March 27. The event will challenge the programming skills of students using its products.
Engineering and vehicle design were the topics as representatives from Mazda met with Florida high school and Florida Poly students. Mazda launched its “Racing Accelerates Creative Education,” or R.A.C.E. program, as an interactive learning forum designed to motivate and engage the next generation of STEM superstars. Special guests included John Doonan, Director, Mazda Motorsports, and race car driver Joel Miller,
Dr. Svetlana Tyutina is an Assistant Professor and Academic Success Advisor at Florida Poly. She also leads the POLYglot Initiative, a collective of informal language groups whose mission is to help students learn foreign languages and enhance their understanding of the multicultural society people live and work in today. Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, Russian and ASL (American Sign Language) are
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University President Dr. Randy K. Avent will be a featured speaker next week at the annual Data4Decisions Conference and Exposition in Raleigh, North Carolina. The event brings together decision makers, IT leaders and data science professionals to discuss emerging issues and solutions in the knowledge-based economy. Dr. Avent will be among the panelists at the
LAKELAND, Fla. (March 19, 2015) – The Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida has approved Florida Polytechnic University’s 2016 Housing Plan. The University will enter into a lease and operating agreement with Jacksonville-based Vestcor Communities, Inc. to build and operate a new 543-bed student housing facility on campus. This will be Florida Poly’s second on-campus residence
What is the future of machine intelligence? Has a human-like robot been developed already? These were among the questions posed when Florida Polytechnic University recently hosted #BOTTalks, the first of three Google+ Hangouts, which featured a panel of technology leaders. Dr. Kristy Hollingshead, a research scientist from the Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition, discussed the future of machine
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.