Manny Díaz Jr., Florida’s current Commissioner of Education, is reportedly the leading candidate to become the next president of the University of West Florida following Martha Saunders’ resignation.
- Background: Diaz has the traits that Gov. Ron DeSantis likes Diaz is a former legislator and a friend of the governor. Diaz’s predecessor, Richard Corcoran, went from Education Commissioner to New College of Florida President. Three different sources have confirmed Diaz has the inside track.
From Classroom Teacher to Education Commissioner
Díaz began his career in education in 1994 as a social studies teacher and baseball coach in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system. His journey through the education field has included roles as an assistant principal and later as Chief Operating Officer at Doral College.
- His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas University and a master’s degree in education from Nova Southeastern University. Díaz has further enhanced his educational leadership qualifications by completing a specialized program for principals at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Before taking on his current role as Education Commissioner, Díaz built a legislative career focused on education policy. Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012, he established himself as an authority on educational matters. During his time in the House, he chaired both the Education Choice and Innovation Committee and the PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee. In 2018, Díaz advanced to the Florida Senate, where he continued his focus on education by serving as Chairman of the Education Committee.
- As state lawmaker, he was a strong proponent of expanding school choice, including the redirection of state funds toward private and charter schools. While supporters see this as empowering parents, critics argue it undermines public education by diverting resources away from traditional public schools.
Since June 1, 2022, Díaz has served as Florida’s Commissioner of Education, overseeing the state’s entire educational system and enacted DeSantis’ “anti woke” agenda.
What Can We Expect
I have been told, “It could be worse,” hinting that DeSantis could pressure the search committee to select a Heritage Foundation candidate. He will definitely purge the campus of any DEI, but locals believe he will try to maintain the university’s strong connection with the community.
Diaz would be the first UWF president without a doctrate:
It could be worse. IMO, the Governor tried to fix something that was not broke. I am an early graduate of UWF and have strong ties to the currebt college. The DEI application to teach educators ways of reaching social or cultural challenged students was an offering by the government. Why wouldn’t the school want to apply for the funds.
It will be interesting to see if the University can navigate the middle of the road politically or be plunged into a far right mode of operations.
Losing Dr Saunders. Is not a good look. Thank you Dr Saunders for all your great work.
Distinguishing Manny Diaz as not being as bad as a Heritage Foundation pick is like pointing out that it still gets worse than the 8th circle of the Inferno. Either way, welcome to the inner circles of hell.
It would certainly be a convenient appointment for him, though. This way he can be in close proximity to the planned failure of the Warrington Academy at the same time his puppet masters take apart UWF. They’re nothing if not predictable.