Dr. Devin Stephenson is the second president of Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s only public university dedicated 100% to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). He began his presidency in July 2024, coinciding with the University’s 10th anniversary.
As its second president, Stephenson is responsible for continuing Florida Poly’s tradition of excellence and overseeing the University’s continued growth. He is committed to expanding the University’s state and national reputation as an innovative leader in higher education and graduating Florida’s top engineers.
Throughout his distinguished career, Stephenson has utilized his expertise in leading the design and implementation of academic programs and providing comprehensive administrative and operational leadership to achieve organizational missions. As a result, Stephenson has earned numerous awards, including the prestigious Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Carol A. Luthman Meritorious Service Award for his faithful and dedicated service and support of the SACSCOC as well as receiving both the Phi Theta Kappa President’s Paragon Award and the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction for his strong support of student success.
Furthermore, in October 2023, Dr. Stephenson received the Harold L. Bishop Award for Leadership from his alma mater, the University of Alabama’s College of Education. This award is given to individuals who serve as outstanding leaders in the field of education.
Dr. Stephenson has a remarkable 30-year career in the field of higher education, with more than 15 years of experience as a president and CEO. Prior to joining Florida Poly, he was president of Northwest Florida State College from 2017-2024. While at the helm of the College, the assets of the Foundation increased from $52 million to over $65 million, grant acquisitions surpassed $73 million, and enhanced legislative appropriations exceeded $40 million. Additionally, he led the College to 8 consecutive semesters of increased enrollment, 3 national championships in athletics, and significant development and enhancement of the campus’ facilities and architectural footprint, including the College’s first on-campus student housing development.
Stephenson has held several positions, including vice president of external affairs, provost, SACSCOC liaison, senior athletic administrator, dean of students, director of admissions and student services, director of federal programs, director of financial aid, and director of public relations and marketing.
In 2022, Dr. Stephenson was appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a member of the Executive Council of the Southern Regional Education Board, a board established to improve education by providing policymakers with reliable data to inform sound policies, collaborating with states to share resources, and serving educators by providing the training they need to help prepare students for their futures.
Driven by a duty to elevate higher education, his community, and his state, Stephenson is continuously involved in professional, academic, community, civic, and other important organizations and associations, including:
Stephenson holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Alabama. He also has a Master of Arts degree in administration of higher education from the University of Alabama, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Birmingham-Southern College, and an associate of science degree from Walker Junior College.
He resides in Lakeland, Florida with his wife, Judy.
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