USF gets its Polytechnic
The governor has signed into law SB 186, officially turning USF's Lakeland campus into the state's first polytechnic university.
He said this 'step forward for higher education will place this campus on the same level as the other campuses of the University of South Florida."
After signing the bill, Gov. Crist sent out a mass e-mail with shout-outs to lawmakers including Sen. J.D. Alexander and Lakeland Rep. Seth McKeel "for their leadership on this issue." He also thanked Rep. Ed Homan of Temple Terrace and Sen. Carey Baker.
Crist also is expected to leave intact the $15-million in the proposed 08-09 budget that USF needs to start building a new campus for the polytechnic.
Alexander owns lots of land near the Lakeland campus.
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The University of Central Florida used to be named Florida Technological University when it opened in the 1960's. With its proximity to the likes of Cape Canaveral and Martin-Marietta Company, it was going to be the "Georgia Tech" of Florida. It eventually broadened its academic programs beyond engineering and technology and changed its name. USF Polytechnic-Lakeland will end up doing the same thing.
Posted by: | June 10, 2008 at 09:16 PM
this is absolutely fantastic news...and will help towards fostering a true high tech region in florida...one that is so badly needed.
Posted by: | June 11, 2008 at 10:23 AM