The University of West Florida has appointed Dr. Mary Anderson as the Interim Vice President for the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs, effective immediately. In this role, Anderson will provide leadership for departments and initiatives focused on student success, well-being and engagement through a comprehensive co-curricular experience.
- “Dr. Anderson brings a deep understanding of student needs and a proven track record of leadership within our campus community,” said Manny Diaz Jr., UWF interim president. “Her experience and commitment to student success make her well-suited to guide the division during this transitional period.”
Anderson joined UWF in 2021, and she most recently served as Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, overseeing key student affairs areas within the division. She currently chairs the UWF Campus Care Team, a multidisciplinary group that coordinates support for students in distress. Anderson has more than 25 years of experience in higher education, with a background that includes residence life, student conduct, crisis response, case management, threat assessment, mental health and student advocacy. She has served on multiple campus threat assessment and behavioral intervention teams and is trained in threat assessment and management.
- “As someone whose own journey was shaped by the student experience at UWF, I’m honored to serve in this role,” Anderson said. “I care deeply about our students and am committed to creating a supportive, engaging environment in which every Argo can thrive. Together with our dedicated team, I look forward to strengthening the programs, services and experiences that help students succeed both personally and academically.”
Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from UWF, a master’s degree in college student affairs from the University of South Florida, and a doctoral degree in higher education administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
For more information on UWF’s Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs, visit uwf.edu/daesa.
