Florida Poly unveils designs for new Student Achievement Center

LAKELAND, Fla., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Polytechnic University has revealed the designs for its highly anticipated Student Achievement Center (StAC), a striking, ultramodern facility that will become the centerpiece of student life while supporting the University's rapidly growing enrollment.

Renderings of the three-story, 138,000-square-foot building were presented to the University's Board of Trustees on Thursday, Sept. 24, offering a first look at the major new addition to Florida Poly's distinctive campus.

With a dramatic curved roofline, expansive glass façade and open, light-filled interiors, the $87 million StAC will complement Florida Poly's award-winning architecture and provide a dynamic new hub for students to study, collaborate and connect.

The facility will bring together spaces and services that support students throughout their Florida Poly journey, from enrollment through graduation and preparation for high-demand STEM careers. It will feature dedicated study areas, collaborative multimedia environments, student support services, career and internship development spaces, an auditorium, instructional rooms and abundant gathering areas. 

"The Student Achievement Center represents the next chapter in Florida Poly's extraordinary growth," said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Poly. "This remarkable facility will transform the student experience and become the heartbeat of a thriving campus community. It reflects our commitment to building a world-class STEM university where students have every opportunity to excel, both in the classroom and beyond."

Two global industry leaders are bringing the StAC to life, with architecture and engineering firm HOK behind the design and Skanska USA Building leading the construction.   

"The foundational idea was to create this building as a cornerstone of the student experience," said Michel Borg, design principal for HOK. "We wanted to create a facility that honors the original master plan that Santiago Calatrava developed and foster a unique experience for students and visitors coming to campus."

Calatrava, a world-renowned architect, designed the University's iconic Innovation, Science and Technology building, which established the campus's modern architectural identity.

The StAC comes at a pivotal moment for Florida Poly. The University is working toward enrollment of 3,000 students by 2030, a 28% increase over this fall and a 90% surge over Fall 2024. That growth is driving the need for more versatile spaces outside the classroom that can accommodate a larger student body and strengthen the overall student experience.

"Seeing these impressive designs gives us a clear look at where Florida Poly is headed," said Beth Kigel, chair of the University's Board of Trustees. "The Student Achievement Center fills an essential need on our growing campus, enriching student life and delivering a vibrant environment that reflects the high caliber of our students and faculty. It is a critical investment in the University's future and in the campus we are building for generations of students to come."

Construction of the StAC is expected to begin in the spring, with completion anticipated in Fall 2028.

SOURCE Florida Polytechnic University