Dr. Martha Saunders sent this to UWF faculty and students at 10:26 a.m.:
When I returned to the University of West Florida as president, it felt like coming home. This University gave me my start as an academic, and serving as its leader has been one of the great honors of my life.
In accordance with the terms of my contract, and after thoughtful reflection, I have made the decision to conclude my presidency. This was not an easy choice. I know it may come as a surprise, and for some, a disappointment. Please know I did not make it lightly. I believe this is the right time — for me and for UWF.
Over the past several years, we’ve accomplished extraordinary things together: record enrollments, historic fundraising, national recognition, and a campus culture that puts students first. We’ve met challenges head-on and kept our values intact. I could not be more proud of what we’ve built.
I will work closely with the Board of Trustees and the campus leadership to ensure a smooth transition. My commitment to this University and its people remains strong through my final day in office — and beyond.
Thank you for your trust, your passion, and your belief in what UWF can be.
With gratitude,
Martha
They thought they voted for less government .
It truly is a sad day for UWF, i know what it is like to be beaten down by the ignorant ones, she was a great President and friend to Pensacola , i will miss her , may we rise up against Ron desantimonious (sp.) and his cronies, God Bless Martha and be strong going forward
I’m just a plain old citizen of this county, outraged by what is occurring. What can I do? My heart is screaming. How can people so physically and mentally apart from us ordinary citizens have such a negative impact on this wonderful area. I know a majority feel as I do. Long live a free and open University of West Florida!
The POS’s will brag they won’t and drove her off! Sad Day indeed! So disappointed! She was a great President and Ron Dishonest will try to find a puppet like Lopodunce !
This is huge loss for our community. But it also means that we must organize and fight for our university even more now. Ron DeSantis will move on to his next grift. He doesn’t care at all about pensacola, only how much damage he can do on the way out. Pensacola, this is our moment. Will we rise to this challenge?
Sorry to see her go, but this seems like a repeat how she left Southern Miss for some odd reasons.
Good luck and enjoy the beach!!!
I am thankful that I got to work for Martha Saunders. Her passion for high-impact practices changed me and, I hope, helped me produce better alumni.
The BOT made it very clear the direction things would be going. She was faced with a choice: quit or be fired. She was relentlessly grilled by the BOT at the last meeting. They made it very clear that they were building a case to oust her. Why wait for that to happen, and be so disrespected and publicly humiliated in the process? Now she can join the fight in a way that she was unable to before, and I hope she does.
It’s a sad day.
Sickening that she felt compelled to fold after last week’s anemic attacks during the BOT. All the more reason for the community to organize. Time to fight anyone involved in handing over NW Florida to King Ron’s ego.
She has been targeted by right wing extremists for successfully running a university. It may be better for her to leave on her own terms than give DeSantis a win, but the future of UWF is worrisome.