Florida Senate - 2026                            (NP)    SR 1806
       
       
        
       By Senator Burton
       
       
       
       
       
       12-02823A-26                                          20261806__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution recognizing February 17, 2026, as
    3         “Florida Polytechnic University Day” in Florida.
    4  
    5         WHEREAS, Florida Polytechnic University is designated as
    6  Florida’s only public university exclusively dedicated to
    7  science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with a
    8  mission focused on innovation, applied research, and high-demand
    9  workforce preparation, and
   10         WHEREAS, spanning a 170-acre campus in Lakeland, Florida
   11  Polytechnic University has 14 undergraduate and 5 graduate
   12  programs, and provides a world-class academic environment
   13  through its innovative curriculum, undergraduate research
   14  opportunities, and interdisciplinary programs that prepare
   15  students for success in a global economy, and
   16         WHEREAS, Florida Polytechnic University has been ranked the
   17  No. 1 public college in the South for 5 years running by U.S.
   18  News & World Report, which also ranks the University among the
   19  top 30 nationally for public engineering programs without a
   20  Ph.D., and
   21         WHEREAS, according to Research.com, Florida Polytechnic
   22  University has the No. 1 computer science program in Florida
   23  among public universities, and its data science program is
   24  ranked among the top 20 in the United States, and
   25         WHEREAS, Florida Polytechnic University’s graduates
   26  consistently achieve high job placement rates and competitive
   27  starting salaries in such critical fields as cybersecurity,
   28  advanced manufacturing, robotics, engineering, and data science,
   29  contributing directly to Florida’s growing technology economy,
   30  and
   31         WHEREAS, Florida Polytechnic University’s commitment to
   32  experiential learning, industry partnerships, and
   33  entrepreneurial thinking equips graduates with the skills and
   34  technical expertise necessary to excel in cutting-edge fields,
   35  and
   36         WHEREAS, Florida Polytechnic University fosters a culture
   37  of innovation and collaboration with business, industry, and
   38  government to support economic development and job creation
   39  across Florida and beyond, and
   40         WHEREAS, the University’s research initiatives and modern
   41  facilities have strengthened Florida’s position as a hub for
   42  technology development, advanced manufacturing, and high-growth
   43  businesses, and
   44         WHEREAS, Florida Polytechnic University continues to
   45  attract distinguished faculty and high-achieving students from
   46  across Florida, the nation, and the world, expanding the state’s
   47  intellectual capital and contributing to a skilled STEM
   48  workforce, and
   49         WHEREAS, Florida Polytechnic University’s students,
   50  faculty, and alumni have earned recognition for academic
   51  excellence, research contributions, competitive team
   52  achievements, and community engagement, and
   53         WHEREAS, the success and growth of Florida Polytechnic
   54  University enhance Florida’s reputation for higher education
   55  excellence and strengthen opportunities for innovation-driven
   56  careers and industries in the 21st century, NOW, THEREFORE,
   57  
   58  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   59  
   60         That the Senate recognizes February 17, 2026, as “Florida
   61  Polytechnic University Day” and commends the University for its
   62  contributions to science, technology, engineering, and
   63  mathematics education, research, and economic advancement.
   64         BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution, with
   65  the Seal of the Senate affixed, be presented to Dr. Devin
   66  Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, as a
   67  tangible token of the sentiments of the Florida Senate.