
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
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
Join Florida Polytechnic University professors and industry experts as they discuss the future of big data analytics during the next installment of #STEMTalks, a Google+ Hangout series. Big data analytics is used to discover trends, patterns and correlations using large volumes of data. Analysis of the data provides decision-makers with business intelligence that was not previously available. Learn how big
Florida Polytechnic University hosted part two of a four-part Google+ Hangout series on September 22, 2015. Panelists discussed the future of autonomous vehicles, robotics and the rise of machines. Crystal Lauderdale, Director of Marketing & Communications at Florida Poly welcomed the following panelists: Dr. Dean Bushey, Visiting Assistant Professor of Computer Science and retired Air Force Colonel who is an
LAKELAND, Fla. (September 23, 2015) – Florida Polytechnic University is building a second on-campus residence hall for students, scheduled to be complete by fall 2016. Jacksonville-based Vestcor Communities, Inc. will build and operate the five-story, 135,000-square-foot dormitory with 539 beds, primarily in two-bedroom, one-bath suites. Community and University officials gathered Wednesday to mark an important construction milestone during a “Goin’
LAKELAND, Fla. (September 22, 2015) – The Beck Kryger Capital Partners Research Lab officially opened at Florida Polytechnic University thanks to a naming gift from Lakeland private equity firm Beck Kryger Capital Partners. The newly named facility houses the University’s state-of-the-art Cyber Security Lab. The Beck Kryger Capital Partners gift will support Florida Poly’s robust student scholarship program and will
LAKELAND, Fla. (September 16, 2015) – Florida Polytechnic University’s iconic Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building has won this year’s Global Project of the Year award from Engineering News-Record (ENR), a leading construction industry trade publication. Florida Poly’s IST Building won Best Education/Research Project and Best Specialty Contracting at the Global Construction Summit held earlier this month in New York City. Each
LAKELAND, Fla. (September 10, 2015) – Seretha S. Tinsley and E. Blake Paul – both long-time Polk County business and civic leaders – have been named to the Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board, bringing a wealth of experience in leadership, entrepreneurship and community commitment to their roles. The Foundation Board of Directors is responsible for building and managing the financial
LAKELAND, Fla. (September 9, 2015) – Florida Polytechnic University President Dr. Randy K. Avent has appointed 16 outstanding Inaugural Class students to serve as Presidential Ambassadors for the 2015-16 school year. Presidential Ambassadors will represent the President and Florida Poly as formal hosts at designated University events, promote the successes and vision of the University, and will work to create