There was a lot of pomp and circumstance on Thursday morning as Dr. Randy K. Avent was officially installed as the first president of Florida Polytechnic University.
The hour and a half inauguration highlighted many of the university’s first-year accomplishments, which include the opening of the iconic Innovation, Science and Technology Building, the arrival of Poly’s first and second classes and the creation of dozens of industry partnerships.
"We’ve responded to the national call for schools to put more emphasis for preparing students for the workforce,” said Dr. Avent. “We've created unique curriculum with traditional majors that teach theory and fundamentals to ensure our students are lifetime employable and across those majors and we've introduced the concept of concentrations that'll set our students apart."
Florida Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera and Florida Board of Governors Chair Mori Hosseini were among the dignitaries on hand in honor of the occasion.
“[Dr. Avent] understands the connection between the new technology economy and the role the university must play,” said Dr. Blake Thompson of Ohio State University.
Members of the Florida Polytech staff and student body shared their thoughts on Dr. Avent as he accepted his medallion as president.
"He recognizes that not all students learn one way and that not all disciplines should be taught in a single manner,” said Assistant Professor of Engineering Dr. Christina Drake.
"We can weave experimentation, agility, efficiency into the fabric of the institution and instill these same values into our students, faculty and staff," said Dr. Avent.