LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees has honored Dr. Randy K. Avent with the title of president emeritus, recognizing his exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the University. The designation, reserved for former presidents who have served with distinction, was conferred during the Board’s meeting on Feb. 12.
Avent was Florida Poly’s first president, leading the 100% STEM institution from its opening in the fall of 2014 through the spring 2024 semester. Under his guidance, Florida Poly established high-demand academic programs and achieved many important milestones, including its critical ABET accreditation in 2019 and regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in 2017.
“It’s an incredible honor to not only be the inaugural president, but the inaugural president emeritus,” Avent said.
As president, Avent worked to build support for Florida Poly among the regional community, state legislators, and members of industry. He also oversaw significant campus infrastructure expansion, including the opening of the Barnett Applied Research Center and the launch of the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building, set to open this spring.
“Coming into Florida Poly was an opportunity of a lifetime; not too many people get the opportunity to build a new university from scratch,” Avent said. “There are great things happening at the University, and I am glad that I was able to play a part in helping it to go from just a dream to being on a path toward being one of the best and top-ranked polytechnics in the nation.”
Dr. Devin Stephenson, who took the helm as Florida Poly’s president in July 2024, said the University was grateful for Avent’s steadfast dedication to the institution’s success and its role as an emerging economic engine for the state.
“Florida Poly stands as a nationally recognized leader in STEM education, poised for an extraordinary future,” Stephenson said. “The strong foundation built under Dr. Avent’s leadership now fuels the University’s bold ambitions and elevates our growing reputation. We are thankful for his decade of service.”
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About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the No.1 public college in the Southeast United States for four years in a row and a top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation for two years in a row. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. Florida Poly is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.