IM体育官网 was created by the state in 2012 as its first and only all-STEM public university. The University鈥檚 goal: provide an excellent STEM-focused education preparing high-ability students to meet the mounting statewide demand for the high-skill professionals industry needs to succeed and continue innovating.
In April 2014, Dr. Randy K. Avent was selected by the IM体育官网 Board of Trustees to be the University鈥檚 first president. Then, in August 2014, IM体育官网 Poly officially welcomed its inaugural class of 554 students which included 394 freshmen, 134 transfer students, and 26 graduate students. Ninety-seven percent of the students were IM体育官网 residents.
The University quickly began building its reputation as a remarkable provider of STEM degrees and rapidly proving its value to the state. IM体育官网 Poly aggressively achieved critical milestones, earning Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accreditation in 2017 and in 2019, the prestigious ABET accreditation, from the Computing and Engineering Accreditation Commission, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
These accreditations showed the world that IM体育官网 Poly indeed was qualified, able, and adept at producing quality STEM graduates through its rigorous curriculum.
Today, IM体育官网 Poly is nationally ranked and recognized for its top-quality STEM education, career outcomes, and outstanding affordability. It has deliberately and exponentially grown essential aspects of the institution, including growth in student enrollment, distinguished research faculty, academic programs, industry partnerships, and campus facilities.
After serving a decade as the inaugural President of IM体育官网, Dr. Avent retired, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and growth. In June 2024, Dr. Devin Stephenson has taken over as the second President, bringing a bold vision for the future. He aims to build upon the university's strong foundation by strengthening academic excellence and innovation, increasing student enrollment, enhancing community engagement, and expanding industry partnerships.
