The University of West Florida has climbed to third place statewide in performance-based funding metrics—a dramatic improvement that reflects years of strategic focus and institutional commitment during Dr. Martha Saunders’ tenure as UWF president.
- “This year, UWF is in the top three. We are tied for third with Florida State University,” shared UWF President Dr. Martha Saunders during a recent podcast interview. “We all remember what it was about 11 years ago or so when all of this started. UWF didn’t compete very well, not because we weren’t a good place, but the things they were measuring needed to be things that we set as a priority.”
The high ranking represents a significant journey. Just one year ago, UWF scored 84 points; this year, they reached 91 with seven perfect scores of 10. But the transformation began much earlier. The university’s strategic response to its first low scores was to establish what she called the “war room”—a focused approach to tracking and improving performance metrics.
- “So we did organize the war room. We were also at that time in an uncomfortable place. We were just converting over to a new student data center, so we didn’t have the information we needed. So it was an uphill climb, and it’s never easy,” Saunders reflected on the challenges they overcame.
The Power of High-Impact Practices
What sets UWF apart is its commitment to experiential learning. The university has made high-impact practices—such as undergraduate research, study abroad, internships, and mentoring—a cornerstone of its educational approach.
Saunders said, “We expect our graduates to have two high-impact practices upon graduation. And I think we’ll shortly be moving that to three.”
This strategy pays dividends in the job market. UWF consistently ranks number two statewide for graduate employment rates one year after graduation. “That they want our graduates tells me we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing.”
Proactive Student Support
The university’s success also stems from its proactive approach to student retention. Faculty report on struggling students three times per semester, allowing advisors to intervene early. “We are not stalking them, but close,” Saunders joked.
She shared the success with her team. “This is a testimony to teamwork more than anything.”
