At the UWF Board of Trustees meeting this morning, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz commented on his selection as interim president:
As we transition into this new role coming right off Memorial Day, I want to begin by acknowledging the sacrifices that have made our freedoms possible. In a community with such strong military ties, it’s essential that we honor all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and recognize the service members who continue to protect our nation.
I want to express my deep gratitude to President Saunders for her exceptional service and dedication to the University of West Florida and the entire state of Florida. Her leadership has been instrumental in the university’s fundraising success and in achieving critical metrics that have positioned UWF for continued growth. President Saunders has built a strong foundation, and I look forward to working closely with her during this transition to ensure continuity and progress.
Understanding UWF’s Unique Identity
The University of West Florida holds a special place in this community – it’s not just an educational institution, but an economic engine and guardian of our historic trust. This university manages assets that are vital not only to our local community but to the entire state. With our extensive landmass, preservation efforts, and archaeology programs, we maintain a unique responsibility to protect and study the historical significance of our region.
Our robust military community is central to who we are as an institution. The proximity to important naval assets like those in Warrington makes UWF uniquely positioned to serve our military families and contribute to national defense priorities. This relationship will continue to be a cornerstone of our identity and mission.
The arts and our rich history form an incredible part of the fabric of both our institution and community. I’m also energized by the momentum in our athletic programs – from national championships in football and golf to competitive excellence across all sports. These achievements aren’t just wins for the university; they’re rallying points that bring our entire community together and showcase our commitment to excellence.
Students First: Our Guiding Philosophy
At the end of the day, everything we do must center on what’s best for our students. As our student board member emphasized, putting students first isn’t just a philosophy – it’s our fundamental responsibility. These institutions exist for the benefit of our students, and when we serve them well, we ultimately benefit our community and our state.
Bringing Experience to Higher Education
While I’m known for my work in K-12 education, my involvement in higher education runs deep. Since 2022, I’ve served on the Board of Governors, addressing issues across all 12 institutions in our university system. Beyond policy work, I’ve been on the ground floor of launching educational programs, navigating accreditation processes, and securing funding for teacher education and leadership programs. This combination of policy experience and administrative hands-on work has prepared me for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
I’ve had the privilege of working with many members of this community on various issues, from K-12 education matters to regional concerns. These relationships with local leaders and our legislative delegation have given me valuable insight into UWF’s unique role and the community’s expectations. I understand that this institution’s identity is inseparable from the community it serves.
Maximizing Our Potential
Looking ahead, I see tremendous opportunities to elevate programs that have the potential for national prominence while continuing to serve our large military population effectively. We must build on the strong foundation that’s been established and push toward even greater achievements.
To our faculty, staff, and broader university community, I want to emphasize my commitment to open communication. While we may not always agree on every issue, I believe in maintaining an open-door policy and engaging in honest dialogue. Through communication, we can address concerns and eliminate fears that naturally come with change and transition.
As we enter this transition period, I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and excited about the collaborative work ahead. President Saunders will continue to be an asset to this institution in her ongoing role, and together we’ll ensure a smooth transition that maintains UWF’s upward trajectory.
The University of West Florida has a bright future ahead, and I’m honored to be part of continuing its legacy of excellence in service to our students, our community, and our state.
Unfortunately for Diaz, his appointment is just part of a larger, needlessly hostile takeover of Florida’s universities. Hard to see anyone thriving in that environment locally. Plus, this, the FIU appointment, New College, etc. are clearly just political career check boxes for these new presidents. Hard to see the long term investment from any of them.