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Loved ones share in the college experience at Phoenix Family Day

September 22, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University buzzed with energy on Saturday, Sept. 20, as more than 850 parents, siblings and friends joined students on campus for the annual Phoenix Family Day. Visitors explored the University, played games, tackled hands-on STEM challenges and experienced firsthand the vibrant spirit of the Florida Poly community alongside their favorite Phoenix student. Gladys Diaz, from Miramar, Florida, joined

Colombian National Team coach brings World Cup experience to Florida Poly soccer players

September 19, 2025

Legendary Colombian soccer coach Nelson Abadía brought his expertise and inspiration to Florida Polytechnic University on Thursday, Sept. 18, as he observed the men’s and women’s soccer teams in training and shared advice to strengthen their game. “It was unforgettable. Coach Abadía brought so much knowledge, and his presence alone elevated the atmosphere,” said Sebastian Anzola, captain of Florida Poly’s

Florida Poly professor’s powerful new tool brings higher accuracy to nuclear physics

September 15, 2025

Dr. Ian Bentley, chair of the Department of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University, developed a new machine learning model to improve predictions of nuclear binding energies.

Students face off in epic Humans vs. Zombies Nerf battle

September 12, 2025

A “zombie infection” overtook Florida Polytechnic University during the week of Sept. 8, slowly spreading from three infected students to nearly all the players in a campuswide Humans vs. Zombies Nerf dart battle.

Expert panel explores phosphate mining and its impacts

September 10, 2025

A panel discussion at Florida Polytechnic University on Monday, Sept. 8, examined the history, benefits and future of phosphate mining.

From NASA to startup: Alumna launches AI platform to bridge tech and policy

September 5, 2025

Payton Barnwell ’19 has dedicated her successful high-tech career to creating meaningful impact through innovation. She helped optimize space station crops as a NASA intern, worked in mission control at Virgin Galactic, and led geospatial product development at SkyFi, creating easy-to-use tools from complex data and imagery. Now, the Florida Polytechnic University alumna has embarked on a new adventure. Barnwell

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Non-Tenure Faculty Model and BOG Work Plan Approved

May 7, 2013

The Board of Trustees has approved several key recommendations that will impact faculty and student recruitment. Based on the recommendation of the Academic Affairs Committee, the Board approved establishing a non-tenure model. Faculty will be offered fixed term, multi-year contracts that will be renewed based on performance. This is a significant decision as Florida Poly expects the first faculty member

Florida Polytechnic University Co-Hosts Robotics Camp

May 6, 2013

Florida Poly is partnering with the Robotics Institute and Center for Urology at Winter Haven Hospital and All Saints Academy to offer a four-week summer camp that gives high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with robotics. The camp begins June 3. The innovative program named MERIT (Medical Engineering and Robotics Innovation for Tomorrow) teaches the future generation,

Florida Polytechnic University Proposes Non- Tenure Model For New Faculty

May 2, 2013

As Florida Polytechnic University begins its faculty recruitment efforts, the Academic Affairs Committee has proposed that the university adopt a non-tenure model. Instead of tenure, or tenure-track, new faculty members will sign fixed term, multi-year contracts. The contract length will be for either nine or twelve months and may be renewable. “This model ensures a fair and equitable review process

New Bill Will Help Florida Polytechnic University Prepare Students for College

April 24, 2013

Florida Governor Rick Scott held a press conference in conjunction with his signing of SB 1076 which will provide middle and high school students an opportunity to obtain certifications in various STEM related fields. Florida Polytechnic University COO Ava Parker participated in the event as did state university presidents Machen (UF), Baron (FSU), Robinson (FAMU) and Bense (UWF). The bill

Dr. Santiago Calatrava Attends Topping Out Ceremony

April 19, 2013

Our new Innovation, Science and Technology Building is one step closer to completion as the steel framework is now finished! To celebrate this milestone, a crowd of more than 250 people joined us for a “Topping Out” Ceremony. Florida Poly Board of Trustees Chair Robert H. Gidel gave the welcome remarks and introduced the keynote speaker – Dr. Santiago Calatrava,

Florida Polytechnic University Names Foundation Board

April 5, 2013

A group of eleven business, community and industry leaders have been named to the charter Foundation Board of Directors at Florida Polytechnic University. Members are responsible for managing foundation assets and soliciting support through private funding and other resources, as well as encouraging and assisting in the research and training activities of faculty, staff and students. “I am confident we

Florida Polytechnic University Chair Gidel and COO Parker Update Board of Governors on Progress of University

March 29, 2013

The importance of creating a polytechnic university in Florida, student recruitment and developing partnerships were among the topics discussed when Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees Chair Rob Gidel and Chief Operating Officer Ava Parker updated the Florida Board of Governors on the progress of Florida’s newest university. It was the first time the pair met with the Board since

Florida Polytechnic University Proposes Degree Programs Plans for Student Recruitment

March 25, 2013

LAKELAND – Following months of research and discussions with academic consultants, Florida Polytechnic University’s Strategic Planning Committee has recommended five degree programs in the College of Innovation and Technology and the College of Engineering. “After an extremely thorough market investigation, these programs were identified as meeting the real-time response to employer needs, and are in-line with the recommendations of the

Florida Polytechnic University Proposes Degree Programs Plans for Student Recruitment

March 25, 2013

Board of Trustees Pursue Organizational Structure Academic Vision

February 5, 2013

The Florida Polytechnic Board of Trustees held a retreat February 4th and 5th and the Hyatt Regency located in Orlando. This press release was issued afterward. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Debbie Angleton Phone: 863.583.9057 LAKELAND, February 5, 2013 – Florida Polytechnic University’s Board of Trustees met in Orlando today to continue the task of developing a business plan, which among