LAKELAND, Fla. β 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»is on a path toward excellence by producing a highly skilled STEM workforce, fostering an innovation economy, and providing a return on investment to the state. This makes it an Engineering University of Distinction.
Universities of Distinction is an initiative by the 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Board of Governors to recognize and invest in universities that show unique strengths within the State University System (SUS). Institutions had the opportunity to submit a proposal identifying their programs capable of attaining excellence at a national or state level.
βThe vision for 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly is to be an upper-tier engineering school for the state of 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»,β said Randy K. Avent, president of 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly. βWe have made great progress toward that vision in just five years.β
91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly, the only 100% STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) institution in the SUS, recently received accreditation through ABET for its strong engineering programs. It opened its doors in 2014 with the purpose of advancing 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»βs high-tech economy, and it has already become a pipeline of high-skill, high-wage talent thriving in high-demand, low-supply fields.
In addition, a recent economic impact study by renowned economist Dr. Rick Harper found that the current annual impact of 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly on the stateβs economy is more than $161 million in gross domestic product at the local and state level, $98 million in labor income, and almost $290 million in overall sales.
β91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly as a whole is achieving the goals of a University of Distinction,β Avent said. βThe University is meeting state workforce needs with our highly desired graduates and our economic impact shows a clear return on investment to the state of 91ΒιΆΉΣ³».β
91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly presented a Legislative Budget Request providing a roadmap and funding details for the University to develop into a top 15 engineering school without a doctorate degree program in the nation. The budget request focuses on growing its distinguished student body and faculty, curriculum, and support services.
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Lydia Guzman
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