Florida Tech School of Arts and Communication

03/13/2026

"It's not about titles or resumes. It's about how people felt after meeting you."
Jordin T. Chandler has lived by that since before he ever stepped foot on Florida Tech's campus. Growing up in Melbourne, he had people pour into him. Now he pours back into the community every single day.
We talked with the 2025 COPLA Outstanding Alumnus about service, legacy, and what comes next. Full story in the COPLA Connections Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gU6T43Ka

03/11/2026

She landed in the U.S. 35 years ago, with no English and six months to figure it out before her degree started.
Professor Nury Stevens figured it out.
Now she's in the classroom at Florida Tech doing the same thing she's always done: learning, teaching, and pushing students to believe in themselves. Her story by Trey Avant is worth reading. Check out COPLA Connections for more: https://lnkd.in/gU6T43Ka

02/20/2026

On Day 4 of Free Speech Week, we hosted the First Amendment Free Food Festival on our very own Crawford Green.

Students stopped by to “trade” their First Amendment rights for a free meal.
It was a fun and thought-provoking event filled with great food, laughter and deeper reflection. Thanks to everyone who came out and made it a success!

Today is our last day. Make sure to stop by our Open Mic/Poetry Reading at 7-9 p.m. in Evans Library lobby.
# FloridaTech

02/19/2026

Yesterday, we had the privilege of hosting a dynamic panel discussion featuring Rick Neale, Jeff Gallop, John Torres, Mara Bellaby, and Greg Pallone, who explored several critical issues shaping journalism today.

A big thank you to Florida Today for
supporting us and making this conversation possible!

02/18/2026

Only Day 2 of Florida Tech’s Free Speech Week, and the impactful keynote by Sarah McLaughlin is already leaving a lasting impression.

Representing the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), she delivered a powerful and thought-provoking discussion on censorship, campus culture, and the evolving landscape of free expression in higher education. Her insights challenged attendees to reflect on what open dialogue truly looks like on college campuses, leaving the audience with new perspectives and meaningful questions to consider.

What’s next? The Local News Panel is happening tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Link Room at Evans Library—so be sure to stop by and join the conversation!

02/16/2026

Florida Tech!
Today, Panthers filled the Free Speech Wall with their thoughts, ideas and perspectives to showcase the power of open expression on our campus.

A special thank you to Dr. Petersen and The Crimson for creating this opportunity for students to share their voices.

And this is just the beginning. Free Speech Week is far from over! Stay tuned for more events and opportunities to get involved throughout the week.

02/13/2026

Tonight is the night! Join us in Evans Library at 6:30 p.m. for the 11th Annual African American Read-In. All are welcome to this free community event, featuring poetry readings, spoken word performances, singing, and, yes, even line dancing!

This year's African American Read-In theme is 'Black History: Deeply Rooted, Still Standing and Ever-Growing.' See link below ⬇️ bit.ly/4bMLAPo

02/11/2026

We're just days away from Florida Tech's 11th Annual African American Read-In, and our students, faculty, alumni, and community volunteers are getting excited! Join us for a night of poetry, song, positivity, and community. This free event includes a Spoken Word performance, a guitar solo, a full meal, and a unique line dance or two. All ages and backgrounds welcome.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from all of us at the Florida Tech School of Arts & Communication! ✨🎄

We wish you a holiday season full of peace, inspiration, and exciting new possibilities. As we reflect on the creativity and connections that define our community, we look forward to a new year filled with fresh ideas and continued growth.

12/13/2025

Today we celebrate more than degrees…we celebrate perseverance, purpose, and the courage to pursue a calling. Through late nights, bold ideas, and unwavering commitment, you have grown not only as scholars, but as communicators prepared to shape conversations and create meaningful change.

Undergraduate Graduates
Layla Coffey - B.A. in Humanities - Pre-Law
Courtney Capar - B.S. Multiplatform Journalism
Josh Mearig - B.S. Multiplatform Journalism

Graduate Students
Saleh Alabawi - M.S. in Global Strategic Communications
Hanan Alghamdi - M.S. in Global Strategic Communications

Your voices are informed, your perspectives are powerful, and your potential is limitless. Go forward with confidence. Lead with intention. Communicate with impact.
�Congratulations graduates, we are incredibly proud of you. 🐾🎓

📷 Pictured graduates in the photo: Courtney Capar, Josh Mearig, and Saleh Alabawi
📷 Photo credit: Chervelle Pierre

12/12/2025

Today we honor the retirement of a man whose impact at Florida Tech stretches far beyond the classroom.

Dr. Robert Taylor is described as the one person who could calm the waters even in the most chaotic moments. Whether guiding students through complex lectures or helping colleagues navigate unexpected “emergencies”, his wisdom, wit, and kindness have shaped this community in unforgettable ways.

From his legendary contributions to academia to the countless lives he’s touched, Dr. Taylor has been a pillar of grace, humor, and leadership. Florida Tech is better because of him.

Thank you, Dr. Taylor, for your dedication, your brilliance, and your heart. A new season begins, yet your guidance continues. We look forward to the new chapter ahead.