Office of the President

Hello, Panthers!

How is it already mid-February? It looks like 2026 shows no signs of slowing, so make sure you take advantage of all your university has to offer! I’m pleased to give you a quick update.

First, did you hear that Florida Tech was named to The Princeton Review’s Mental Health Services Honor Roll for 2026? The prestigious list identifies colleges that demonstrate a strong commitment to their students’ mental health and well-being. Florida Tech was one of only two undergraduate institutions in Florida to earn the honor.

Next, have you taken time to check out the big ideas Florida Tech has for the future? If not, I encourage you to scroll through the university’s master plan on our Web site. We have an ambitious vision to expand resources for our students, as witnessed by the construction of Crimson Crossing, the 556-bed, state-of-the-art student housing complex opening this fall. As you view the master plan and its goals, consider clicking on the “Share Feedback” link and sending us your thoughts. There are some exciting initiatives there and your input is welcome!

Finally, get ready because 37 Hours of Giving is on its way! Florida Tech’s annual giving event to support our students and programs will be “out of this world” this year! It’s all happening March 6-8. Friends across campus and beyond, please encourage your network to support our university. Log on and check it out.

We’ll talk again soon. Until then, go Panthers!

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President

Hello, Panthers.

Can you feel it? Excitement is in the air as Spring semester 2026 is off and running.

Your experience this term will be what you make it, and I encourage you to make it great! One powerful way to do that? Involvement. I believe getting involved truly sparks success.

Here are a few things coming this spring that are ripe for involvement. And remember, that can be as simple as coming to an event that interests you.

First, did you hear that a key U.S. Space Force leader will be speaking on campus in February? Maj. Gen. Timothy Sejba, a past STARCOM commander now serving as Special Assistant to the Vice Chief of Space Operations, will be the speaker at the 2026 F. Alan Smith Distinguished Lecture Series on Feb. 19 at Gleason Performing Arts Center. Go online now and register!

And it’s never too early to start planning for our annual Northrop Grumman Engineering & Science Student Design Showcase coming to Clemente Center April 24-25. With a project or not, just walking through and checking out students’ amazing ingenuity and creativity will boost your pride in Florida Tech and its student body.

There’s so much to do as 2026 marches on! I encourage you to sign up, show up, and have fun. That goes for students, faculty, staff and alumni, too: Florida Tech is all about opportunities to get involved, as with our faculty/staff Pickleball group, the Pickled Panthers! Relish the fun.

Stacy and I look forward to seeing you at many activities and events across the Spring semester. We’ll talk again soon.

Until then, go (out), Panthers!

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President

Dear Florida Tech Family,

We are deeply grateful to you for all the ways you’ve helped make Florida Tech grow and thrive in 2025. 

May the spirit and the beauty of the holidays bloom in your hearts throughout 2026!

With warmth and gratitude,

President John and Dr. Stacy Nicklow

Hello, Panthers!

I love this time of year. It’s when we pause to remember the things for which we are thankful on the cusp of a season of warmth and cheer that merrily reminds us of the value of our colleagues, friends, family and partners.

We at Florida Tech have so much to be thankful for, such as our hardworking and talented faculty and staff, amazing students and outstanding alumni.

The Roman philosopher Cicero wrote, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” So I have two questions for you: First, what are you grateful for in your life? Second, how do you demonstrate that gratitude?

Gratitude can be an incredibly inspirational force. motivating us to reach out in friendship or in partnership to improve our communities and contribute to the well-being of others in meaningful ways.

Stacy and I are grateful for the countless ways the Panther community shows up to help one another. Your support is more than a gift: You strengthen Florida Tech.

Together, we can fuel creativity and innovation, empowering a brighter tomorrow for our students during a time that celebrates generosity.

Happy Thanksgiving—and Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President