Office of the President

Hello, Panthers! 

Olin Quad is the epicenter of some of our university’s most noted and inspired research. Around this green swath, our talented faculty and hardworking students are involved in teaching and learning that prioritizes hands-on experiences and forms the foundation for careers of consequence.

Olin Quad is also home to the dedication monument for the F.W. Olin Engineering and Science Complex. If you’ve never stopped to read it, I suggest you do so. 

It reads: “Dedicated to the Relentless Pursuit of Knowledge for the Betterment of Mankind and the Planet on Which We Live.” That “Relentless Pursuit” is part of our DNA at Florida Tech; it sets the tone for who we are and what we value.

We all know our planet has global-sized challenges, but many are challenges that the disciplines taught and science explored at Florida Tech can address. Our powerful community of learners has a proud legacy of doing just that—tackling challenges and finding innovative solutions—and the best is yet to come. 

Join me this academic year in recommitting ourselves to that “relentless pursuit of knowledge.” I’ll see you around campus.

Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President 

Hello, Panthers!

This is it…the new academic year is here and campus is buzzing!

Stacy and I have had so much fun welcoming students and parents, from handing out Italian ice at move-in day, to hyping the class of 2028 at student convocation. We’ve made sure to bring on the new year with a bang.

There is a time for hard work and serious studying, and there’s a time for fun. Like all things in life, you just need to find the balance. Meanwhile, be proud of your choice of Florida Tech, because we are definitely proud of you.

I’m going to let you in on one of our university’s honored traditions…did you know that if you walk by and rub the Panther statue’s nose in front of the Panther Aquatic Center, it will bring you good luck? Maybe you need a little extra “oomph” on an upcoming test, or some positive vibes before that internship interview. Give the nose a rub—but no wishing for class to be canceled. The mojo doesn’t work like that. At least, I don’t think it does!

One more piece of advice—get involved. Engage in student organizations, research activities, athletics and intramurals, or other opportunities. It’s not just a great way to meet new people and get the most out of your college experience; the research proves that engaged students persist in college and tend to earn better grades.

Also remember that you can connect with me across social media. I’d love to hear from you.

Good luck and have a great year. I’ll see you around campus—and Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President

Hello, Panthers!

Can you believe that we’re already approaching the end of the academic year? And what a great year it has been as we’ve celebrated Florida Tech’s 65^th anniversary, reflecting on our proud past and bright future—but we’re not done yet!

We just wrapped up another successful signature event of the Florida Tech experience as the annual Northrop Grumman Engineering and Science Student Design Showcase was held April 19. What a day that was! From the cosmic to the practical, from rovers that can fly to methods for improving surgery, and everything in between—120 capstone projects were presented for judging by local industry leaders. It’s just another way a Florida Tech education prepares students for a lifetime of career success.

As I reflect on my first year as your President, I’m so impressed by the energy, enthusiasm, and teamwork I’ve encountered from students to faculty, staff, and alumni. That spirit, combined with bold strategic planning and hard work, means next academic year will bring even more opportunity for success.

One more milestone event to look forward to this year is Spring Commencement, set for Saturday, May 4 in the Clemente Center. We’ll award degrees across three ceremonies and are honored to have two-time Florida Tech alumna and former astronaut Joan Higginbotham as our keynote speaker. If you don’t have tickets, plan to tune into the Webcast. It’s going to be a fantastic day!

Please accept my best wishes for a great summer and know that wherever you go, and whatever you do, Florida Tech is your university and is here for you.

We’ll talk again soon—until then…Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President

Hello, Panthers!

Spring has sprung at Florida Tech, and it’s a great time to be on campus! It has been a historic season for Florida Tech Athletics with both men’s and women’s soccer programs competing in the 2023 NCAA Tournament Final Four, both coaching staffs were named the Regional Staffs of the Year, and we earned the department’s first-ever National Player of the Year.

That’s just a snapshot of the level of success possible for all our hardworking scholar-athletes. Florida Tech was among 44 schools in NCAA D2 recognized for posting an academic success rate of 90% or better, with our figure coming in at 92% for the six-year cohort ending in 2022. This was the first time since 2010 that our athletics program registered above 90%.

Meanwhile, the Sunshine State Conference recently announced its Fall Commissioner’s Honor Roll, with 69 Florida Tech scholar-athletes recognized for their outstanding performance in the classroom. Of those, 23 earned a perfect 4.00 grade point average last semester.

Collegiate athletics are a vital part of the university experience—and we’re proud to promote them at Florida Tech. That’s why you’ll see Athletics as an important supporting piece of our “Forward Together, Boundless Potential” strategic plan.

Wherever our scholar-athletes progress in their professional careers after graduation, they’ve gotten a great launch pad on the fields and courts at Florida Tech. We applaud their success.

We’ll talk again soon—until then…Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President