UWF announces inaugural Leaders in Service Summit

The University of West Florida Police Department will host the inaugural Leaders in Service Summit on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at the UWF Conference Center on the University’s Pensacola campus. This event will bring together leaders and professionals from law enforcement, fire service, military, public safety and related fields for a day focused on service-driven leadership and collaboration.Centered on the theme “Duty, Distinction and Direction,” the summit will explore what it means to lead with purpose while navigating the evolving challenges facing service professions. The event is designed to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen relationships across agencies and organizations, and provide practical insights leaders can take back to their communities.

“This summit aims to bring together leaders from across our service professions to learn from one another, build relationships and strengthen our collective ability to serve Northwest Florida,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “We are proud to create a space where those conversations can begin and where leaders can return to their organizations with new perspectives, connections and a renewed sense of purpose in their work.”

Unlike a traditional conference, the UWF Leaders in Service Summit will emphasize participation and collaboration through interactive table exercises, keynote presentations, panel discussions and opportunities for networking and cross-agency conversation.

Keynote speakers include Dr. Robin Griffin-Kitzerow, police chief at the University of Central Florida, who will present “The Making of a Leader: Her Journey to the Top,” and Naval Air Station Pensacola Commander Capt. Chandra Newman, who will share her “Career of Success.” The summit also will feature a panel discussion with panelists from the UWF Police, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Florida State Attorney Office and UWF Office of Military Services.

The summit is intended for both emerging and experienced leaders, providing opportunities to learn from others, exchange perspectives and build connections across traditionally separate service sectors.

“As Deputy Chief of Police at the University of West Florida, I am elated to bring the first ever Leaders in Service Summit to our university and community,” said UWF Deputy Chief of Police Deborah Fletcher. “This seminar brings leaders together to focus on collaboration and building relationships, while exploring how we can better serve the people we lead, the people we work with, and the communities we represent.”

The UWF Leaders in Service Summit will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 29, 2026, at the UWF Conference Center. Registration is $129 per person and is open through Friday, Oct. 16.

For more information and to register, visit uwf.edu/LeadersInService.