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.
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) has joined Florida Polytechnic University as its latest industry partner. Florida Polytechnic officials, including President Dr. Randy K. Avent, welcomed Mosaic leaders, including Gary N. “Bo” Davis, Mosaic Senior Vice President, Phosphate Operations, during a partnership signing ceremony today at the university’s Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research (FIPR) Institute in Bartow, Fla. As
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of R. Mark Bostick, president of Comcar Industries, as its new Board Chairman and Frank T. Martin, a senior transportation management executive, as the Vice Chairman. Both appointments are for two-year terms that run to July 31, 2016. Mr. Bostick, of Lake Wales, has been serving
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University has announced that the Medical Engineering and Robotics Innovation for Tomorrow (merit) program will conclude Thursday evening with a graduation ceremony and presentation of student projects at All Saints Academy in Winter Haven. For a second summer, the merit program introduced area high school students to high-tech innovations with practical applications at the hands-on,
ORLANDO—The Board of Governors Thursday confirmed Dr. Randy K. Avent to be the first leader of the State University System’s newest institution, Florida Polytechnic University. “The Board is pleased to welcome Dr. Avent to our State University System,” said Board Chair Mori Hosseini. “It is no small challenge to guide Florida’s first polytechnic university. But I have no doubt, with
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University Professor Dr. Robert MacCuspie is an invited speaker at the TechConnect World’s Nanotech conference in Washington, D.C., from June 15-18. Dr. MacCuspie, who directs the University’s Nanotechnology and Multifunctional Materials programs, will present a lecture on June 18 that explores “Measurement methods and approaches for studying silver nanomaterial release.” Dr. MacCuspie writes that, “Silver nanoparticles have been
LAKELAND, Fla. – A charitable electric car marathon from Florida to New York City reached the finish line on Friday, raising more than $12,000 to benefit Florida Polytechnic University scholarships and men’s health research. Florida Poly Foundation Board members Dr. Sijo Parekattil and Rob Kincart, along with Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, drove 1,100 miles from Clermont to Manhattan from June 12-13
LAKELAND, Fla. – A charitable, cross-country electric car marathon that will help fund Florida Polytechnic University scholarships and men’s health research hits the road Thursday, June 12, in Clermont, Florida. The Drive for Men’s Health, featuring two futuristic Tesla vehicles, is set for June 12-13 and is being organized by Florida Polytechnic Foundation Board member Dr. Sijo Parekattil and Dr.
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation has announced that it is the recent recipient of two major charitable gifts to benefit the University and student scholarships. Saddle Creek Logistics Services, a supply chain solutions firm and one of the University’s industry partners, has pledged $1 million to support scholarships and the University’s mission. Additionally, an anonymous donor is
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Medical Engineering and Robotics Innovation for Tomorrow (merit) program returns to Florida Polytechnic University for a second summer, introducing high school students to high-tech innovations with practical applications, from bio-energy to brain mapping. Partnering with Lakeland Regional Health Systems and All Saints Academy, Florida Polytechnic will host the four-week camp, starting June 2, at the University’s
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s Board of Trustees today approved a contract for employment for Dr. Randy K. Avent who was chosen by the Board in April to be the University’s first president. Dr. Avent is an accomplished academic leader and currently serves as Associate Vice Chancellor of Research Development at North Carolina State University (NC State) where he
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic Chief Operating Officer Ava L. Parker has announced her support for a charitable cross-country, all-electric car trip that will raise money for men’s health and for University scholarships. The Drive for Men’s Health, set for June 12-13 in a futuristic Tesla vehicle, is being organized by Florida Polytechnic Foundation Board member Dr. Sijo Parekattil and Dr.Jamin
LAKELAND, Fla. – The inaugural freshman class for Florida Polytechnic University is set, following the University’s application deadline for freshmen last week. All told, Florida Polytechnic received nearly 3,000 undergraduate applications and has admitted 923 freshman and transfer students. Of those admitted students, 500 have already committed to attend the new University in the fall. “Florida Polytechnic’s first class is
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.
