THE BILL ITSELF
SR 1806
Florida Polytechnic University Day
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.
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,
58
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
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.