Office of the President

Office of the President

Thank you for your interest in Florida Tech and the Office of the President.

Our university thrives on the strength of its community, and I am proud to lead a dedicated, driven, and diverse group of individuals who are passionate about higher education and student success. We believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of every voice in our community. Your engagement, questions, and contributions are not just welcome but vital as we work together to shape the future of Florida Tech.

I encourage you to connect with me on social media and welcome you to bring your questions, concerns and ideas to my attention by sending a message to president@fit.edu.

 

Messages from the President
Presidential Perspectives — February 2024

Presidential Perspectives — February 2024

Hello, Panthers!

I hope everyone is having an awesome 2024 so far!

One of the best things about your university is the insightful research conducted by our faculty, often with our students working and learning right alongside them. A great example of Florida Tech’s ongoing investment in research designed to help us better understand and navigate our world can be seen at the Mertens Marine Center. This important facility provides vital lab and learning space for exploring the Indian River Lagoon and beyond, serving up to 140 undergraduate and 50 graduate students in ocean engineering, oceanography, environmental science, marine biology and sustainability.

University-wide, our total research expenditures two years ago were $14.9 million, and last year, rose to $15.7 million. We’ve had some growth, but there is incredible potential to do better when we realize some of our peers are doing anywhere from $52 million to $180 million per year.

Our new strategic plan, “Forward Together, Boundless Potential,” includes research as an integral element. As we prioritize “Programs Driven by Innovation,” we will expand and diversify externally funded research to become a strong R2 research institution providing all students an opportunity to conduct impactful and innovative research, and this will further position Florida Tech for R1 consideration by 2040. 

Once our new Provost is on the ground in May, one of my priorities is to build out our Office of Sponsored Research. My goal is to provide faculty with greater support in identifying research opportunities and in preparing proposals and budgets. This is fundamental to our plan to grow our grant and contract expenditures.

There’s much work to be done—and we will get it done, together. Thanks as always for your partnership and teamwork as we advance the mission of this incredible institution in service to our students.

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

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President

Presidential Perspectives — January 2024

Presidential Perspectives — January 2024

Hello, Panthers!

Spring Semester is off and running, and your university is geared up for a remarkable 2024!

Does it get any better than this? While much of the rest of the country is bundling up to stay warm, we’re basking in beautiful Space Coast sunshine. Nowhere on campus is that better enjoyed than in the pristine Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden. If you haven’t taken a stroll in the Garden lately, I encourage you to check it out when you can. I might move my office out here!

Meanwhile it’s going to be a busy rest of the month. I hope you’re planning to join us for the Presidential Investiture ceremony on Friday, Jan. 26, at 3:30 p.m. in the Clemente Center. It’s open to everyone and will be an excellent event as we take time to celebrate together this great university and reflect on our 65th anniversary. If you haven’t reserved your spot, log on to fit.edu/65 and register. If you can’t join us on campus, please tune in to the live stream—you can get there from the Florida Tech homepage.

As we honor the past, our eyes are firmly focused on the future. In the coming days we’ll be sharing details on our new strategic plan. This plan sets the course of our shared future by building on Florida Tech’s distinctive identity and focusing on four key pillars of success. To help achieve our vision, each pillar identifies ambitious goals to guide Florida Tech and its constituents in moving Forward Together with Boundless Potential. The goals presented promote a sense of excellence, innovation, and transformation throughout the university, so stay tuned for full details.

I encourage you to remain engaged and be ready for what’s next. I predict it’s going to be a worthwhile journey—first and foremost because we’ll take that journey together.

Let’s talk again soon—until then…Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President

Presidential Perspectives – December 2023

Presidential Perspectives – December 2023

Dear Florida Tech community,

We’ve made it to the conclusion of the Fall Semester and the half-way point of the academic year. What a great start we’ve had!

It’s hard to believe that I’m already six months into my service as President of this amazing institution. Stacy and I have loved connecting with all of you—students, alumni, faculty, and staff, and building new and productive relationships with business and industry leaders.

Our 65th anniversary celebration continues next semester and we’re looking forward to a lot of fun. Most importantly, we’re keeping the spotlight on what truly matters—the educational mission of this university and the investment it makes to transform lives for the better. From our hardworking, inquisitive students to our outstanding, dedicated faculty and staff, to our accomplished alumni—the Florida Tech family welcomes 2024 with enthusiasm!

I hope your holidays are filled with peace and reflection and that you join us on the journey we begin in 2024 with a new strategic plan to be announced, a new master plan on the way to guide our future, and a re-invigorated commitment to embrace the very bright future that awaits our university community.

It’s always been true at Florida Tech—but perhaps never more in its history than right now: From here…anywhere!

Happy holidays—and Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President

Presidential Perspectives – November 2023

Presidential Perspectives – November 2023

Hello, Panthers!

We’re entering one of my favorite seasons, when we traditionally take time to remember the things for which we are thankful—a season that reminds us of the value of our community and our partners.

As for Stacy and me, we are so thankful to be part of the Florida Tech family, especially at this unique time in our University’s history as we continue celebrating 65 years of educational impact and innovation. We particularly appreciate the hard work of our faculty and staff, who deliver on Florida Tech’s educational mission with passion and grace and who help change lives for the better.

This holiday season, I encourage you to take time to think about what you are grateful for in your own life. I also invite you to reflect on how you might maximize that “attitude of gratitude” and find new ways to help others.

Whether it’s volunteering your time or otherwise contributing to meet the needs of those around you, I believe we are more connected as a community and stronger as a university when we step up and offer others a supportive hand.

The people of Florida Tech have a long legacy of this—let’s keep it up as we invest in others and find new ways to make a positive difference. A famous quote from President John F. Kennedy reminds us: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”

Thank you for the example you set as a vital member of our university community and thank you for your actions to help make our world a better place for all.

Happy Thanksgiving—and Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President

Past Messages from President Nicklow