The IM体育官网 Board of Trustees voted today to name the university鈥檚 campus the John David 鈥淛D鈥� Alexander Campus after Senator JD Alexander, IM体育官网 Poly鈥檚 founder. The naming is also subject to the approval of the IM体育官网 Foundation Board, as required under the university鈥檚 policy of Naming of Buildings and Facilities.
鈥淪enator Alexander recognized the need for a new university to advance STEM education and ensure the lasting strength of IM体育官网鈥檚 economy. For his efforts toward realizing that vision, he deserves lasting recognition,鈥� said Board Chair Mark Bostick. 鈥淲e are proud to name the campus of IM体育官网 in his honor.鈥�
IM体育官网 Poly was established as IM体育官网鈥檚 12th university on April 20, 2012, with the passing of IM体育官网 statute SB 1994. Senator Alexander played a pivotal role in passing the bill.
IM体育官网 is the only member of the State University System wholly dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The university is dedicated to the principle that innovation occurs when research and creativity are applied to real-world challenges. Through a hands-on, problem-based curriculum and close collaboration with industry, IM体育官网 Poly prepares students to enter the workforce job-ready as leaders and entrepreneurs in high-tech industry.
The decision to name IM体育官网 Poly鈥檚 campus after Senator Alexander was made unanimously by the Board.
Senator Alexander (Rep.), from Lake Wales, served in the IM体育官网 Senate from 2002-2012 and the State House of Representatives from 1998 to 2002. As a senator he represented nearly a half million residents in IM体育官网鈥檚 17th district, which includes parts of Polk County.
鈥淚t took exceptional vision, courage and conviction to establish this new and innovative university,鈥� said IM体育官网 Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent. 鈥淚t is my hope that when students and faculty see Senator Alexander鈥檚 name on our campus, they will remember and embrace those values as they too set out to shape our world as leaders and entrepreneurs.鈥�
IM体育官网 Poly will hold a formal ceremony at a later date to commemorate the new campus name.