Florida

Putting Education Reform To The Test

Business Leaders Rally For Florida Polytechnic University

Flsenate.gov

Sen. J.D. Alexander

Polk County business leaders are so excited about the new Florida Polytechnic University (FPU), they held a news conference this morning to announce their support. It was part of a rally at the United Way of Central Florida in Lakeland.

More than 60 community and business leaders have formed Florida Poly Vision, Inc. to show their support for Florida’s 12th public university. Members say they are providing a much-needed voice for the new institution.

The group’s website states, “With dreams of leading the nation in technology and innovation-driven higher education from its base in Polk County, Florida Poly Vision’s leadership and members are proud to be a part of the overall effort to move Florida Polytechnic University forward.”

FPU split off from the University of South Florida, where it was known as USF Polytechnic. A bill creating FPU was signed by Gov. Rick Scott in April. The new campus was a priority for Senate Budget Chairman J.D. Alexander, who is a citrus grower in Polk County. He was among those speaking in support of FPU at today’s rally.

This is the last day to apply for FPU’s Board of Trustees. About 40 applications have been received for the eleven citizen slots. The other two slots will be held by a faculty leader and the student body president.

Comments

About StateImpact

StateImpact seeks to inform and engage local communities with broadcast and online news focused on how state government decisions affect your lives.
Learn More »

Economy
Education