Florida Polytechnic University selects new president

Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland has announced its next president: G. Devin Stephenson.

Stephenson is the president of Northwest Florida State College, a public two-year college in Niceville. He was one of five finalists — all academics — for the job and will be the university’s second president after Randy Avent steps down.

Search committee chairperson Cliff Otto said in a news release Monday that Stephenson was the candidate that “best embodies Florida Poly’s vision and values.”

“His exceptional qualifications, unwavering dedication to education, and visionary leadership make him the perfect fit for our institution,” Otto said.