At Florida Polytechnic University, we’re not just growing ― we’re undergoing a bold transformation.
Over the past year, we’ve taken deliberate steps to expand our campus infrastructure, boost student enrollment and elevate the overall academic experience. These advancements reflect a shared vision between our institution and the Florida Legislature, rooted in innovation, in-demand workforce readiness and powerful economic impact across our state.
This progress would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of the Polk County Legislative Delegation. We are truly grateful to Rep. Josie Tomkow, Rep. Jennifer Canady and Sen. Colleen Burton, whose sponsorship of our funding priorities was instrumental in delivering these critical investments in the 2025-2026 state budget. Their advocacy kept Florida Poly at the forefront and helped secure the resources needed to support our growth and impact.
We also deeply appreciate the strong partnership of Senate President Ben Albritton, Rep. Jennifer Kincart Jonsson and Rep. Jon Albert. Their ongoing support for higher education and Florida’s STEM future made a meaningful difference in helping Florida Poly advance its priorities.
Thanks to the delegation’s determination, Florida Poly secured $12 million in PECO funds, allowing us to move forward with the Student Achievement Center, an essential facility that will serve as a dynamic hub for academic support, career development and student engagement. Building on last year’s funding for planning and design, this appropriation marks a critical step in preparing our students for long-term success and strengthening Florida’s talent pipeline.
The $10 million in operational funding included in this year’s budget is equally vital to Florida Poly’s success. This appropriation fuels our Rising to 3,000 initiative by enhancing our ability to attract highly talented students, recruit renowned faculty, and expand cutting-edge programs and key initiatives that align with the evolving the STEM landscape.
In this regard, I’m especially grateful to Speaker Daniel Perez and Budget Chairs Lawrence McClure and Ed Hooper for their leadership and support. The Legislature’s continued investment in Florida Poly reaffirms its confidence in our mission and shared commitment to advancing STEM education and economic development throughout the state.
This strong alignment between legislative priorities and institutional progress is evident in the milestones we’re achieving. Florida Poly is experiencing record growth that is both deliberate and deeply intentional ― anchored in quality and designed to meet the shifting needs of our students and industry. Our enrollment reached an all-time high of over 1,800 students for the 2024-2025 academic year – a 10% increase over the previous year.
To meet this demand, we opened our third residence hall last fall and have already begun planning a fourth. We are also preparing to open the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building, which will provide additional state-of-the-art labs and collaborative spaces to solidify our academic offerings and enhance student success.
Alongside the Student Achievement Center, these strategic infrastructure expansions showcase a forward-thinking approach to growth, thoughtfully tailored to the aspirations of our high-performing student body and the demands of today’s innovation-driven workforce.
Florida Poly’s proposition is clear: We offer a world-class STEM education with one of the best returns on investment in the nation. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university as the No. 1 public college in the South and the No. 2 best value public college in the region. Our graduates earn the highest salaries in the State University System one year after graduation – and do so with the least amount of debt.
We are proud of the momentum we’re building and deeply thankful for the Florida Legislature’s continued partnership. This support not only empowers our growth, but it also cements Florida Poly’s role as a catalyst for high-skill talent, research innovation and economic vitality ― driving meaningful impact across our region and beyond.
Dr. Devin Stephenson is president of Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s only public university dedicated 100% to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Florida Polytechnic’s bold growth is powered by legislative support | Guest commentary
Reporting by Devin Stephenson / The Ledger
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