Derek Lower serves as Florida Polytechnic University’s first athletic director, leading the development of an intercollegiate athletics program that brings together competitive sports and a rigorous STEM education. He oversees eight varsity sports: men’s and women’s soccer, cross-country and basketball, as well as baseball and softball.
Lower joined Florida Poly in 2017 to help build its student recreation program. Most recently serving as associate director of campus recreation, he oversaw club and intramural sports, fitness programs, aquatics, recreation facilities and the University’s mascot, Solaris.
As athletic director, Lower is focused on building a strong foundation for Florida Poly Athletics by recruiting coaches and student-athletes who reflect the University’s commitment to innovation, determination and excellence. His approach emphasizes achievement in the classroom and in competition while fostering school pride and preparing student-athletes for success beyond graduation.
Lower holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management from the University of Florida, where he supported the Gators’ track and field program, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida.
