The University of West Florida held its annual State of the University address today, with Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. delivering the keynote. Joined by leaders from faculty, staff, and student government, the ceremony highlighted achievements across academics, research, athletics, and community engagement.
A University on the Rise
President Diaz opened his remarks with confidence about UWF’s position: “I’m proud to say that the state of our university is strong and our future is even brighter.”
This fall, UWF welcomed more than 15,000 students for the first time in its history. “This isn’t just a number. It’s a reflection of trust,” Diaz said. “Trust from students and families who see the value of a UWF education, who believe in the strength of our faculty, who know that opportunity happens here.”
National Rankings
For the fourth consecutive year, UWF ranks among the top 10 public schools in the South by U.S. News and World Report, currently standing at number six. The institution also earned the number six spot for best colleges for veterans in the South.
Military Times ranked UWF number eight in the nation and number one in Florida as best for veterans—the university’s highest placement to date. Diaz said, “We’re also ranked third among all state university system institutions in the Board of Governors’ performance metrics, a testament to our continued excellence in meeting and exceeding state priorities.”
Historic Research Designation
In a major milestone, the Carnegie Foundation designated UWF as an R2 (Research II – High Research Activity) institution for the first time in university history. The designation came during a banner year for research funding.
Since August alone, UWF has secured nearly $65 million in external funding—a record pace for the university. Major awards include:
- $32.5 million from Triumph Gulf Coast to expand research infrastructure and launch a new Center for Computational Intelligence
- $9.6 million federal grant for the Center for Cybersecurity to enhance the National Workforce Development Program
- $2 million grant to broaden cybersecurity training for government employees
“These investments reflect national confidence in UWF’s leadership and position as a hub for innovation and discovery in northwest Florida and beyond,” Diaz said.
Student Excellence
UWF students continue to distinguish themselves on national and international stages. Graduate student Lucin Mitten became UWF’s first recipient of the United States Department of State Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship while also earning a Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy scholarship valued at nearly $380,000—one of only 50 awarded nationwide.
Nursing graduates achieved an outstanding 97.67% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam, far surpassing state and national averages. Students gained hands-on experience at major events including the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four, while finance students placed in the top three at the Global Portfolio Competition in New York.
Faculty Recognition
The university’s faculty continue to earn national and international recognition. Dr. Eman El-Sheik was named U.S. Global Ambassador by the Global Council for Responsible AI. Dr. Shusen Pu received the Early Career Faculty Mentor Award from the Council on Undergraduate Research—a first for UWF. Scholar GPS ranked Dr. Wade Jeffrey among the top 0.05% of researchers worldwide in life sciences.
Athletic Championships
UWF’s athletic programs delivered championship performances this year. The men’s golf team captured the NCAA Division II national championship, while teams earned conference championships in volleyball, swimming and diving, softball, and both men’s and women’s golf.
Diaz expressed excitement about the undefeated football season continuing, noting that “these victories reflect the teamwork and pride that define our student athletes and inspire Argo Nation.”
Looking Forward: President’s Priorities
Key priorities include completing the Darrell Gooden Stadium, which will double football seating capacity to 7,500 seats, supported by a $2 million Tourist Development Council grant that was secured in the spring.
The new Office of Military Services represents another strategic investment, providing “tailored advising, career support, and outreach to help service members, veterans and military families succeed,” Diaz explained. This initiative builds on UWF’s recognition as both a gold-level military-friendly school and a military spouse-friendly school.
The Haas Center’s new Office of Industrial Innovation, supported by a $400,000 National Science Foundation grant, will connect faculty expertise with regional business needs in aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Faculty Senate: Advocating for Academic Excellence
Dr. Heather Riddell, Faculty Senate President and associate professor of communication, emphasized the senate’s commitment to shared governance during this transition period. She stated, “Our mission as a faculty senate remains clear: to advocate for the people who make this institution thrive—our faculty.”
Riddell highlighted the resilience and accomplishments of UWF faculty: “This past year has shown once again the strength, creativity, and resilience of our faculty in every college, department and program. You’ve continued to elevate the student experience, advance your disciplines, and serve our communities.”
The faculty senate is working to ensure that “decisions about curriculum, policy and governance reflect faculty voice and expertise,” while strengthening communication between faculty and administration “so that our shared governance is not just a principle but a practice.”
Staff Senate: Unity and Service
Ethan Henley, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Staff Senate President, spoke to the collective achievements of UWF’s more than 1,000 staff members. “In true Argonaut spirit, we understand that progress is achieved through unity and shared purpose, and together we look forward to continuing that mission in the year ahead,” he said.
Last year, nearly 40 staff members were honored through the Employee Recognition and Awards Program (ERA), with this year’s celebration scheduled for April 1, 2026.
The campus community’s generosity was evident in fundraising efforts. “Together as one campus community, we raised nearly $18,000 for the United Way of West Florida—the most in at least five years,” Henley reported. “That level of generosity speaks to the compassion that defines the UWF family.”
Student Government: Engagement and Advocacy
Trista Bennett, Student Body President and biology major, outlined SGA’s ambitious agenda for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Running on a platform called “Dream A Vision,” Bennett and Vice President Alexander Selzer focused on “increasing SGA’s reliability for students, enhancing student engagement, ensuring equitable support for all student populations, advocating for student needs, and promoting mental wellness across campus.”
Six months into their term, SGA has launched a student discount program with 19 local Pensacola businesses, offering discounts, special deals, and spirit nights. “This program not only strengthens our ties with the local community, but also highlights our on-campus opportunities for students.”
Other initiatives include collaborating with parking services to bring back the Food for Fines program, where students can exchange non-perishable food items and hygiene products for parking fine discounts, with donations going to the Argo Pantry.
SGA recently hosted a town hall meeting in partnership with the Dean of Students that drew over 100 students. “The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and students have expressed strong interest in attending town halls in the future.”
A Community of Purpose
Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized UWF’s identity as more than just an educational institution. As President Diaz reflected: “A university is more than a collection of buildings or programs. It is a living network of people joined together in the shared pursuit of learning, discovery and growth.”
He invoked the Greek word “arete”—meaning virtue or excellence—displayed in the athletic facilities: “Excellence is not a destination, but a lifelong pursuit. The challenges that keep us growing in skill, character, and purpose.”
Dr. Riddell echoed this sentiment, noting that faculty achievements “have made us a place that attracts students, creates scholars, and positively impacts the community.”
Conclusion
As UWF moves into its next chapter with record enrollment, enhanced research capabilities, and strengthened community partnerships, the message from today’s ceremony was clear: the university is positioned for continued growth and impact.
“UWF is more than an institution. It’s a community of purpose and possibility,” President Diaz concluded. “Here, innovation takes shape, learning transforms lives, and collaboration strengthens our future. As we move into the year ahead, let us do so with optimism, unity, and shared commitment to excellence in all that we do.”
Go Argos.
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Thank you Martha Saunders!
I continue to advocate for a law school for UWF. The closest law schools to Pensacola are generally the law schools of New Orleans and then the law school at FSU in Tallahassee.
Pensacola needs a law school that offers night classes, any number of options as we have a severe shortage of lawyers in the area.