University of Pittsburgh Applied Research Center

Barnett family's transformational gift names Florida Poly's state-of-the-art research center

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 27, 2023

LAKELAND, Fla., Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Polytechnic University announced a new name for its state-of-the-art research building: the Barnett Applied Research Center.

Key Points: 
  • LAKELAND, Fla., Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Polytechnic University announced a new name for its state-of-the-art research building: the Barnett Applied Research Center.
  • "We firmly believe that the Barnett Applied Research Center will be an engine for innovation, a beacon for top-tier talent, and a driving force in the region's development."
  • The Barnett family includes brothers Wesley and Nick Barnett and their father, Barney Barnett.
  • "Florida Poly is fortunate to have such a strong partnership with the Barnett family and we're honored to have their support," said Kathy Bowman, vice president for advancement at Florida Poly.

Florida Poly ranks as Top 20 public engineering program nationwide

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 18, 2023

LAKELAND, Fla., Sept. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News and World Report ranked Florida Polytechnic University a top 20-public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation, as part of their 2023-2024 Best Colleges list released today. The University was also ranked the No. 1 public college in the Southeast Region for the third consecutive year.

Key Points: 
  • LAKELAND, Fla., Sept. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News and World Report ranked Florida Polytechnic University a top 20-public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation, as part of their 2023-2024 Best Colleges list released today.
  • 1 public college in the Southeast Region for the third consecutive year.
  • Here's a full list of Florida Poly's U.S. News rankings:
    Top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the country
    "It's very exciting to see Florida Poly continuing to gain ground nationally as a top provider of core STEM education," said Dr. Randy K. Avent, Florida Poly's president.
  • The University also recently expanded its academic offerings by adding two new degrees – civil engineering and industrial engineering – to strengthen the curriculum's alignment with industry needs.

Former State Sen. Kelli Stargel joins Florida Polytechnic University

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 9, 2023

LAKELAND, Fla., Feb. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Former state senator and community advocate Kelli Stargel has joined Florida Polytechnic University in a new role designed to help the all-STEM institution broaden its statewide impact.

Key Points: 
  • LAKELAND, Fla., Feb. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Former state senator and community advocate Kelli Stargel has joined Florida Polytechnic University in a new role designed to help the all-STEM institution broaden its statewide impact.
  • This includes maximizing engagement opportunities for industry partners, donors, business and community leaders, and other major constituent groups throughout the state.
  • "Since the beginning of my political career, I've watched this University grow and meet its mission of educating people in STEM fields, which are vitally needed in our state," Stargel said.
  • "I'll be able to tell the story of what Florida Poly brings to the state, so that others get to be just as excited about what this University can do for Florida."

Florida Poly president named to Tampa Bay's list of most impactful business leaders

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 1, 2023

LAKELAND, Fla., Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, was recognized as one of the most influential business executives by the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Key Points: 
  • LAKELAND, Fla., Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, was recognized as one of the most influential business executives by the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
  • The publication revealed its annual Power 100 list today, acknowledging the business leaders who have generated the biggest impact in the Tampa Bay region.
  • "I'm honored to receive this recognition, especially among so many others leading the way to economic growth here in Florida," Avent said.
  • The featured leaders are selected by the editorial staff and publisher of the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Sustainable Composites Appoints Donald G. Morrison as New CEO

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 20, 2022

LANCASTER, Pa., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sustainable Composites, a company that upcycles leather scrap into a material called Enspire Leather that can be utilized as new leather, today announced the appointment of Donald G. Morrison to serve as CEO. Morrison has extensive business development experience including serving as CEO of American Eagle Outfitters, which grew from a single store to 165 locations under his leadership.

Key Points: 
  • LANCASTER, Pa., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --Sustainable Composites, a company that upcycles leather scrap into a material called Enspire Leather that can be utilized as new leather, today announced the appointment of Donald G. Morrison to serve as CEO.
  • Morrison has extensive business development experience including serving as CEO of American Eagle Outfitters, which grew from a single store to 165 locations under his leadership.
  • Morrison also has been instrumental in the growth of several other startups and has led multiple turnaround situations.
  • Sustainable Composites has developed a unique way to upcycle leather waste scrap into a leather material that can be finished and used as new leather.

Blue Star Families Launches New Suicide Prevention Pilot Program Funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 20, 2022

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --Blue Star Families (BSF) today announced an innovative new pilot program aimed at tackling the suicide epidemic among service members and Veterans.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --Blue Star Families (BSF) today announced an innovative new pilot program aimed at tackling the suicide epidemic among service members and Veterans.
  • "Families are the missing piece of the suicide prevention puzzle," said Jessica Strong, Senior Director of Applied Research at Blue Star Families.
  • Blue Star Families is the nation's largest grass-roots military family support organization, with a mission to support military families to improve military readiness.
  • Blue Star Families' nationally recognized surveys and analysis give military families an important voice that informs policymakers and its military family programs.

US News: Florida Poly ranked #1 public college in the region for 2nd straight year

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 12, 2022

1 public college by U.S. News and World Report in the Southern region of the United States.

Key Points: 
  • 1 public college by U.S. News and World Report in the Southern region of the United States.
  • In its 2022-2023 Best Colleges list , the University also ranked third among all top colleges in the region both public and private.
  • For the second consecutive year, Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the No.
  • Nationally, Florida Poly was ranked as a top 30 public engineering program without a Ph.D., at number 28, among 230 public and private institutions.

Florida Poly's new state-of-the-art research building opens its doors

Retrieved on: 
Friday, August 19, 2022

LAKELAND, Fla., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Polytechnic University unveiled its new Applied Research Center, a cutting-edge facility that will strengthen Florida Poly's position as a premier STEM institution and engine for economic development. The $47 million building expands the University's research capabilities and will further its mission to serve students and industry through excellence in education, discovery, and application of engineering and applied sciences.

Key Points: 
  • Florida Polytechnic University's Applied Research Center expands the school's research capabilities and will become a research hub for industry.
  • LAKELAND, Fla., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Polytechnic University unveiled its new Applied Research Center, a cutting-edge facility that will strengthen Florida Poly's position as a premier STEM institution and engine for economic development.
  • At more than 90,000 square feet, the Applied Research Center (ARC) houses research and teaching laboratories, student design spaces, conference rooms, faculty offices, and study areas.
  • The Polk County delegation backed Florida Poly as the Legislature approved funding to finalize the building Florida Poly's second academic facility.

Tooling U-SME Debuts Immersive Virtual Labs to Help Manufacturers Accelerate Upskilling and Increase Retention

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 7, 2022

PITTSBURGH, June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its decades-long tradition of harnessing technology to advance manufacturing training, Tooling U-SME, the leading provider of manufacturing training solutions, is launching Virtual Labs tomorrow at its annual tuXperience in Pittsburgh. Held June 8-9, 2022, tuX is an annual gathering of those within companies, schools and organizations responsible for upskilling the manufacturing workforce to close the skills gap.

Key Points: 
  • The new immersive virtual reality training curriculum bridges the gap between learning and doing to enhance productivity, increase safety, lower costs, and engage a younger workforce.
  • By providing realistic, immersive experiences for learners to work with simulated equipment Tooling U-SME Virtual Labs accelerate competency for real-world manufacturing situations.
  • "Our Virtual Labs help manufacturers and educators engage, onboard, upskill learners to build a high-performing, advanced manufacturing workforce and, ultimately, strengthen the industry's competitiveness."
  • To learn more about how Virtual Labs can become part of your manufacturing training program, contact Tooling U-SME at 866.706.8665 or visit go.toolingu.com/vlabs.

Florida Poly president three-peats as one of Florida's most influential leaders

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 4, 2021

The publication released its annual Florida 500 list today, highlighting the state's top leaders in several economic sectors.

Key Points: 
  • The publication released its annual Florida 500 list today, highlighting the state's top leaders in several economic sectors.
  • "I am honored to receive this distinction because it reflects the strides we've been making and the impact Florida Poly has on the state," Avent said.
  • "As our graduates secure high-wage, high-demand jobs, we are cementing Florida Poly as a leader in engineering and technology education while also helping build Florida's high-tech economy."
  • Longevity matters and visibility doesn't necessarily mean influence," Florida Trend said in a statement accompanying the Florida 500 list.