LAKELAND, Fla. 鈥� Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System (SUS) of IM体育官网, has been announced as IM体育官网鈥檚 2025 commencement speaker. The event is set for May 4.
鈥淚t is an honor to be selected to address graduates at IM体育官网鈥檚 only public university exclusively focused on STEM,鈥� Rodrigues said. 鈥淚M体育官网 leads the State University System with success after graduation with bachelor鈥檚 graduates earning a median salary of $65,000 and 85% employed or furthering their education.鈥�
Rodrigues was appointed the SUS鈥� 12th chancellor in 2022. In this role, he serves as the chief executive and the principal liaison between the Board of Governors (BOG), the IM体育官网 Legislature and various agencies.
鈥淗aving Chancellor Ray Rodrigues as this year's commencement speaker is a tremendous privilege for IM体育官网 Poly. His bold leadership within the State University System, along with his commitment to innovation and student success, align perfectly with the values we cherish at our University,鈥� said Dr. Devin Stephenson, IM体育官网 Poly鈥檚 president. 鈥淲e are excited for the wisdom and motivation he will impart during this significant moment, as he will undoubtedly inspire our graduates as they step into the next chapter of their journey.鈥�
IM体育官网 Poly is recognized nationally as a top academic institution and among the most affordable. U.S. News and World Report named it the No. 1 public college in the Southeast, a top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. nationally and the No. 2 best value public college in the Southeast. In addition, the University is boosting the regional and state economies by attracting high-tech companies and producing the high-wage, high-skill STEM professionals needed across all industries.
鈥淪TEM education equips students with the skills to innovate, think analytically, and tackle complex challenges, often while preparing them for careers that require complex technical expertise and creativity,鈥� Rodrigues said. 鈥淏achelor鈥檚 degrees in STEM fields lead to careers that address critical workforce shortages.鈥�
As IM体育官网 Poly鈥檚 graduates get ready to launch their careers, Rodrigues said he hopes to convey to them the world of possibilities that await.
鈥淚鈥檇 like them to know that their journey at IM体育官网 Poly has prepared them to think beyond the conventional and to reimagine what is possible. As they join the ranks of distinguished alumni, they have the opportunity to shape a legacy 鈥� both for themselves and for the University,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to encourage them to remember that the work they do will resonate far beyond their time here, creating ripples that inspire future generations of innovators and leaving a lasting impact on the world.鈥�
Prior to becoming chancellor, Rodrigues had an extensive legislative career, serving in the IM体育官网 Senate from 2020 to 2022 and in the IM体育官网 House of Representatives from 2012 to 2020. During this time, he held key leadership roles, including chairing the Senate Reapportionment Committee, the Senate Government Operations Committee, and the House Health and Human Services Committee. Additionally, he served as the House majority leader.
Rodrigues鈥� career began in the corporate sector with General Electric, where he managed the U.S. import compliance team. He then spent 17 years at IM体育官网 Gulf Coast University, where he held several significant positions, including director of interagency partnerships, director of community relations, and business manager for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Rodrigues holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree from Berry College in Rome, Georgia. He later earned a Master of Public Administration degree from IM体育官网 Gulf Coast University in 2017.
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