Florida News Straight From the Source
Faculty and student researchers at Florida Polytechnic University are developing a breakthrough method that would result in more accurate maternal and fetal electro-cardiogram (ECG) signals, so that babies can be properly treated for cardiac defects diagnosed before birth. [Read more…] about Cutting-edge research at Florida Poly aims to save babies’ lives
Florida Polytechnic University announced the creation of its Advanced Mobility Institute (AMI), a university-affiliated technology research center focused on the development and testing of autonomous vehicle (AV) related technology. [Read more…] about Florida Polytechnic University Establishes Advanced Mobility Institute
Accusoft, a leading document and imaging software company based in Tampa, Florida, has solidified its partnership with Florida Polytechnic University through a gift of an endowed scholarship to help talented students with a financial need to pursue their dreams of a high-tech career. [Read more…] about Top Tampa tech company strengthens connection with Florida Poly
The wait is over. Florida Polytechnic University launched its official Florida Poly Mobile app right on time for the new academic year. The app is designed to provide students, faculty, staff and the general community with everything they need to know about the university in the palm of their hand. [Read more…] about Florida Poly launches official app
Florida Polytechnic University is now home to students from 24 countries and five continents, making this year its most diverse international student body to date. They are part of around 400 students joining Florida Poly in this new academic year, looking to become part of the next generation of high-tech leaders. [Read more…] about Florida Poly welcomes back students in its most internationally diverse year
The military constantly needs combat training with skilled pilots flying as the “bad guys.” The U.S. Air Force has an increasing demand for this adversary air service and it’s turning to Draken International to provide it. At the same time, Draken is turning to Florida Polytechnic University for its high-tech expertise. [Read more…] about Florida Poly providing Draken International with the ‘missing link’
Business executives from all over Florida are invited to participate in a one-of-a-kind leadership course developed by Harvard professors and taught at Florida Polytechnic University from August 5-10.
The immersive week-long Florida Poly Executive Leadership Course is designed for mid-career professionals looking to improve their leadership skills. Attendees will learn how to better understand their market, execute creative change, and grow their organizations through flexible and adaptive leadership.
The course is led by Harvard professors emeritus Drs. Paul Marshall and Earl Sasser to provide participants with the most advanced leadership strategies through hands-on activities, real-world case studies, group break-outs and self-reflection. Both Marshall and Sasser are leaders in the field of management and executive education, each having over 40 years of experience in the classroom.
“What makes this course unique is that it is led by Harvard faculty and modeled by what people can find at Harvard,” said Florida Poly president, Dr. Randy K. Avent. “It’s also a resident program which brings the opportunity to build valuable relationships with leaders from other companies.”
Participants will also learn from Florida Poly faculty members who will emphasize the role technology and innovation play in the skills needed for success in today’s business world.
Marshall and Sassar created the program drawing from their experience with the Harvard Business School case study method, which helps participants gain insider perspective, decision-making skills, and increased confidence through small-group discussion and engaging lecture.
Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to explore Florida Poly’s campus and will spend time in the iconic Innovation, Science & Technology (IST) Building, designed by famed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The IST is home to a supercomputer, 3D printing lab, media lab, big data lab, and the university’s bookless library.
Attendees will spend their evenings in a residence hall and are invited to take advantage of the on-campus fitness center.
Seating in this unique program is limited and the registration deadline is July 22. For more information, contact executiveeducation@floridapoly.edu or 863-874-8614.
Florida Polytechnic University’s bookless library was at the center of an international discussion in Mexico focused on the creation and development of university libraries around the world.
Dr. Kathryn Miller, vice provost of academic support services at Florida Poly, was a guest speaker at the first International Colloquium on Library Architecture and Environments, hosted by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) on early May, 2018.
Miller was invited to share how Florida Poly’s innovative digital library enhances the overall learning experience.
“Information access, storage and retrieval are skills students learn in a digital library,” said Miller. “If we can teach students how to work with digital information, they will have an advantage in the workplace because they will know when to seek information and understand how to find and validate it. As a result, they’ll make informed decisions.”
Miller added that digital libraries are the future for disciplines like STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and research institutions in countries like Mexico are taking notice of the model.
“I found great interest in the international collection of librarians gathered to understand how the Florida Polytechnic University Library functions. They were very curious about how our library staff engages campus interest without physical books and how the digital library has changed the librarians’ job functions,” said Miller. “The interest and acceptance of a digital library has become even stronger since Florida Poly first opened our campus with no books in 2014.”
Florida Poly’s 11,000 square foot library, located on the second floor of the Innovation, Science and Technology building, has a digital collection of over 150,000 full text e-book volumes that are a mixture of owned and licensed materials.
Since there is no physical stack area, Miller pointed out that one of the benefits of the bookless library is a more effective use of space.
“The Florida Polytechnic University Library would require 15,000 linear feet of stack area for shelving our books if they were not in digital format,” she explained.
The goal of the colloquium was to exchange knowledge and multidisciplinary experiences in the planning, design, construction and evaluation of physical and virtual spaces in university libraries in order to establish lines of action and policies for improvement in three environments: teaching-learning, research and reading.
UNAM is a UNESCO World Heritage site and shares high world academic rankings.
“They’re a significant research institution, and I was very impressed with Mexico’s commitment in projecting growth and ensuring utility with the university libraries,” said Miller.
More than 200 Florida Polytechnic University undergraduate and graduate students will be receiving degrees, as Florida’s newest public university graduates its inaugural class.
Florida Poly’s Spring 2018 Commencement will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 4 at the RP Funding Center (Youkey Theater), located at 701 W Lime St., Lakeland.
Established in 2012 as an innovative university dedicated entirely to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), Florida Poly is focused on graduating students who are lifetime employable and ready to be the leaders of high-tech industries. Classes began in fall 2014 with hundreds of students taking a chance on a brand-new institution with a hands-on approach to teaching, and a learning environment that encourages them to think big and challenge the status quo.
“These students believed in Florida Poly’s mission before the doors even opened,” said Florida Poly President, Dr. Randy K. Avent. “They have come a long way since, and the university has grown with them. We are proud of their journey with Florida Poly and know they’re prepared to make an impact on the world.”
The commencement speaker will be Dr. Jeffrey Wadsworth, who will be awarded anhonorary degree by Avent.
Wadsworth recently retired as president and CEO of Battelle Memorial Institute, the world’s largest nonprofit research and development organization, executing about $6 billion of work annually and employing about 22,500 people. He has previously overseen the management or co-management of seven national laboratories of the U.S. Departments of Energy and Homeland Security.
The ceremony will also feature an address by the State University System Chancellor Marshall Criser and student speaker Chris Dowdy. Dowdy, who is from Lakeland, is graduating summa cum laude with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Dowdy says he’s humbled to be representing his class and the university at commencement and says he’s thankful for the many opportunities made available to him.
“Florida Poly has given me tremendous opportunities,” said Dowdy. “From the faculty to staff and administration, I’m excited about honoring everyone who made it all possible. There’s no doubt the hands-on experience we have gained at Florida Poly has positioned us well to be future leaders in our fields.”
Four years after the state’s newest public university opened its doors, Florida Polytechnic University will graduate its inaugural class with more than 200 undergraduate and graduate students receiving degrees.
WHAT: Florida Poly Spring 2018 Commencement
WHEN: Friday, May 4, 2018. Ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m. and Student arrivals begin at 1:30 p.m., and doors open to ticket holders at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: RP Funding Center (Youkey Theater), located at 701 W Lime St., Lakeland. Parking available in the Blue Parking Lot.
WHO: The commencement speaker will be Dr. Jeffrey Wadsworth, who will be awarded an honorary degree by President Dr. Randy K. Avent.
Wadsworth recently retired as president and CEO of Battelle Memorial Institute, the world’s largest nonprofit research and development organization, executing about $6 billion of work annually and employing about 22,500 people. He has previously overseen the management or co-management of seven national laboratories of the U.S. Departments of Energy and Homeland Security.
The ceremony will also feature an address by the State University System Chancellor Marshall Criser and student speaker Chris Dowdy, a mechanical engineering major from Lakeland.
EDITORS/PRODUCERS: To ensure access and space, please RSVP by 10 a.m. Thursday, May 3, to Lydia Guzmán, assistant director of communications, at lguzman@floridapoly.edu or 863.874.8557.
