Office of the President

Hello, Panthers!

It’s well known that Florida Tech provides an excellent education that accelerates our graduates to careers of consequence, but did you know your university has an incredible effect on the regional and state economy, as well?

Florida Tech annually generates $1.6 billion in economic impact from spending by the university and its students and alumni.

Here are a few more stats, because the numbers best tell the tale:

• Florida Tech’s economic activity creates more than 12,000 jobs.
• Our economic ripple effects produce more than $512 million in total wages and salaries.

And perhaps most impressive:

• Each graduating class of Florida Tech contributes $1.1 billion to the economy of Florida over 30 years.

You can read about the full economic impact of your university on our web site. Check it out.

And tell your friends and family what business and industry already know: The educational investment at Florida Tech pays outstanding returns for years to come.

Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President

Hello, Panthers!

We are ready to roll! With a new year comes fresh opportunity and great chances to grow. But first, a question: What kind of year will it be for you?

This Fall promises to be the most exciting start to an academic year in memory! First, our new Crimson Crossing residence hall is up and running at the front door to campus. This 556-bed, state-of-the-art facility is the largest single investment in student life in our history.It stands as a monument to Florida Tech’s commitment to providing the best resources possible for students.

And there’s so much more to come! More about that as we talk together throughout this academic year.

But now, allow me to offer a piece of advice I often share: get involved. Join student organizations, research clubs, athletics and intramurals, or other groups. You’ll meet new people and make friends. And remember that that engaged students stay in school and earn better grades. It’s a proven fact!

So welcome back, everyone! Let’s make it a great year of working hard and working together. Florida Tech is here for you.

Best of luck, and I’ll see you around campus. Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President

Hello, Panthers!

Another academic year is done, and what a fantastic year it has been!

On May 9^th, we celebrated Spring 2026 Commencement, and it was truly a celebration to be remembered.

Family and friends cheered as 1,950 students earned Florida Tech degrees. These new Panthers for Life demonstrated their tenacity and strength over their time here to get to Saturday’s excitement.

Why? Because a Florida Tech degree is always earned.

At Commencement, we talked about the power of attitude. When good attitude is coupled with the skills, knowledge and experiences that our new alumni have earned – anything is possible.

It all starts with a good attitude. You don’t have to buy it. You don’t have to build it. You just have to find it inside yourself, believe in it, empower it.

Further proving that attitude determines your altitude, commencement keynote speaker Winston Scott thrilled the audience with tales of his time walking in space.

The retired U.S. Navy fighter pilot and shuttle astronaut encouraged the new grads to work hard and reach for the stars. Those are words of wisdom for us all!

I will see you again in August. Have a great summer and Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President

Hello, Panthers!

Another fantastic academic year is wrapping up, but there’s still some fun to be had: On Friday, April 24, we’ll hold our annual student design and research showcase supported so generously by Northrop Grumman. It’s an opportunity to see some amazing achievements.

What’s in store this year? Timely projects like exploring how to minimize risky combustion instability in rocket engines and developing tests that could improve airbags and other materials that must function at high speeds.

These inquisitive efforts reflect the strengths of Florida Tech itself as our seniors put their education into action. Each project starts with a vision to identify a problem that needs solving or an approach that could be improved or a need that technology might address. Then comes the opportunity to function at the highest levels in a team environment – an exceedingly valuable skill to hone for students on the cusp of graduation.

And there is the hard, sometimes frustrating, but always inspiring work of taking a concept and making it real. This is about rolling up sleeves, working late nights and embracing challenges that may seem discouraging.

Success often follows, projects are honored, jobs may be offered – because our students earned their accomplishments.

That’s how we do it at Florida Tech—every day. It’s why I’m so proud of our students and so confident that their drive and passion prepares them for the brightest futures and the biggest impacts. Next stop—careers of consequence!

It’s going to be a great showcase! Until then…Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

John Nicklow, Ph.D.
President