Drew Dixon
The head of Florida’s university system will be delivering the commencement speech at Florida Polytechnic University this year.
State University System (SUS) of Florida Chancellor Ray Rodrigues will deliver the 2025 commencement at Florida Poly on May 4. Rodrigues has been Chancellor of the SUS since he was appointed in 2022.
His position is essentially the liaison between the Legislature, and several state agencies, and the Florida Board of Governors, who oversee the state’s public university system. He’s the 12th person to hold the position.
“It is an honor to be selected to address graduates at Florida’s only public university exclusively focused on STEM,” Rodrigues said. “Florida Polytechnic University leads the State University System with success after graduation with bachelor’s graduates earning a median salary of $65,000 and 85% employed or furthering their education.”
Florida Poly is the only all-STEM public school in Florida, which means its focus is on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The campus is located in Lakeland and has a small student population of undergraduate and graduate students of about 1,800. It’s also one of Florida’s newest public colleges, opening for instruction in 2014. Nearly 90% of Florida Poly students are from Florida.
“Having Chancellor Ray Rodrigues as this year’s commencement speaker is a tremendous privilege for Florida Poly. His bold leadership within the State University System, along with his commitment to innovation and student success, align perfectly with the values we cherish at our University,” said Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson.
“We are excited for the wisdom and motivation he will impart during this significant moment, as he will undoubtedly inspire our graduates as they step into the next chapter of their journey.”
U.S. News and World Report ranked Florida Poly as the No. 1 public college in the Southeastern United States and No. 2 in the country for best value for a public college in that region.
One comment
tom palmer
March 23, 2025 at 7:52 am
According to other reports, Florida Poly has a poor graduation rate and an administration filled with sinecures involving well-connected politicians.. Will Rodrigues address that?