Florida’s 12th university, Florida Polytechnic University, is an architectural marvel that sits right next to Interstate 4 in Polk County. The main building features a swooping veil-like facade designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The public can get a peek of the new campus when it opens on Saturday. But WUSF reporter Steve Newborn took […]
This coming Saturday marks the grand opening for Florida’s 12th state university. Florida Polytechnic University, in Polk County, will offer a tuition-free education focused on science, technology, engineering and math — STEM — to its inaugural class of about 550 students. They start on August 25th. President Randy Avent sat down with Robin Sussingham from […]
Randy Avent has a career of turning research into new defense, computer science and life science projects. Florida Polytechnic’s Board of Trustees said they want Avent to inspire future entrepreneurs at the Polk County campus. Avent was the board’s unanimous choice for the university’s first president. “Dr. Avent personifies the innovative, entrepreneurial qualities that we […]
Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland is ready for its own Board of Trustees. Gov. Rick Scott has launched a national search for thirteen trustees that will govern Florida’s 12th public university. It turns out applicants can live anywhere. They don’t have to be in Florida to serve. “We must have a globally competitive education system […]
Gov. Rick Scott says his decision to approve Florida Polytechnic University “makes sense.” In an interview with WUSF radio, Scott provides his defense: 1. It focuses state resources “where the jobs are right now” – STEM (science, technology, engineering and math.) 2. “It will pay off ” by producing more STEM graduates. 3. “It’s the […]
The University of South Florida may be closing its Lakeland campus, but those employees will have jobs for at least another year. That’s according to USF president Judy Genshaft, who says employees will stay on staff until at least July 1, 2013.  Some employees left a meeting last week worried they may lose their jobs […]
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