Manny Díaz Jr. Emerges as Frontrunner for UWF Presidency

Rick Outzen

7 months ago

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:

•Dr. Harold Bryan Crosby (1964–1974): UWF’s founding president, oversaw the establishment of the campus and its initial development.

•Dr. James Arthur Robinson (1974–1988): Led the university through significant milestones, including academic restructuring and the admission of the first freshman class.

•Dr. Morris Leon Marx (1988–2002): Oversaw substantial campus expansion, the university’s first doctoral degrees, and athletic achievements.

•Dr. John C. Cavanaugh (2002–2008): Implemented new academic programs and campus facilities, and led the university through a new campus master plan.

•Dr. Judith Bense (2008–2016): Focused on growth, increased enrollment, strengthened academics, and introduced football to UWF.

•Dr. Martha Dunagin Saunders (2016–2025): Current president, known for expanding academic programs, establishing innovative degrees, and elevating UWF’s reputation.