Florida Poly's 25/30 Strategic Plan approved, paving way for new era of growth

LAKELAND, Fla., March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Florida Board of Governors has approved Florida Polytechnic University's 25/30 Strategic Plan, marking a significant milestone in the institution's trajectory toward academic excellence, impactful growth, and industry engagement. The plan outlines the University's priorities and initiatives over the next five years, and was given the green light during the Board's meeting on March 26.

Key goals of the plan include increasing enrollment to 3,000 students and raising the four-year graduation rate to 60% by 2030. The plan also underscores the importance of expanding efforts to establish a university-anchored research park.

The creation of the new strategic plan was Dr. Devin Stephenson's top priority upon stepping into the presidency of Florida Poly last summer. From the start, he recognized its importance in defining the University's future.

"We are excited to officially launch our 25/30 Strategic Plan, a roadmap that positions Florida Poly as a powerhouse in STEM education and a driving force in economic development," Stephenson said. "This document is centered around three priorities that will not only fuel innovation and regional growth, but also empower our students with unparalleled opportunities to excel in high-tech careers."

The 25/30 Strategic Plan is built around three core priorities:

1. Comprehensive institutional growth: This initiative focuses on driving holistic growth at Florida Poly through multifaceted strategies that will enhance academic excellence, expand research capabilities, and strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders and industry leaders.
2. Advancement through intentional resource development: By leveraging financial, technological, and human resources, this initiative seeks to support academic programs, foster research innovation, and build community engagement.
3. Academic and industry collaborative partnerships: This initiative emphasizes the importance of establishing and nurturing productive relationships with industry partners and academic institutions. If necessary, the University will develop a strategy for acquiring or developing property to support these partnerships.

The three priorities serve as the foundation for Florida Poly's vision for the future. By aligning institutional growth, resource development, and strategic partnerships, the University leaders seek to elevate Florida Poly's impact and create transformative opportunities for students, faculty, and industry.

Beth Kigel, Chair of Florida Poly's Board of Trustees, highlighted the significance of collaboration in shaping the plan. The document was developed with insights from industry leaders, educators, and community stakeholders, reflecting the collective vision and expertise gathered during the University's inaugural Strategic Planning Summit held last September.

"This strategic plan is a testament to the power of collaboration and the bold-thinking approach that defines Florida Poly," Kigel said. "The Board is committed to supporting President Stephenson and his team in executing this plan, which will elevate the value of a Florida Poly education and further solidify the University's role as an economic driver and leader in innovation."

SOURCE Florida Polytechnic University