Florida Polytechnic University (Florida Poly) in Lakeland, Florida, has appointed Derek Lower as its first athletic director, signaling the university's transition into collegiate athletics. This fall, Florida Poly will launch its athletics program, featuring eight sports, including baseball, softball, men’s and women’s soccer, cross-country, and basketball. This initiative represents a significant shift for the university, which has primarily focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) since its establishment. Lower, who joined Florida Poly in 2017, previously developed the campus recreation program and is now tasked with building the new athletics department. University officials are actively hiring coaches and recruiting athletes, aiming to attract students who seek a rigorous STEM education alongside competitive sports opportunities. The introduction of athletics is expected to enhance the campus identity as Florida Poly expands beyond its original academic-only model.