I finally received the application packets for two individuals that Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees: Chris Young and Paul Bailey.
- Both took the oath of office on Feb. 12 – 11 days after the first board meeting and a month after DeSantis announced their appointments.
Chris Young took the oath of office on Feb. 12, 2025, the same day as his application to serve on the UWF Board of Trustees.
- Why he wants to serve: His mother is a retired teacher. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from UWF in 1974. “I have countless family members and friends who have obtained their degrees from UWF and otherwise may not have been able to attend a university had it not been for UWF.”
- Bailey has never attended a public high school, college or university. He graduated from Calvary Christian Academy, Pensacola Christian College and Regent University School of Law.
All King DeSantis’ Men
Gov. DeSantis appointed five white men to the UWF Board of Trustees: Adam Kissel, Gates Garcia, Scott Yenor, Paul Bailey and Chris Young.
Kissel was rejected by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education, 5-1, yesterday. Gates failed to show up. The governor’s office has not submitted the applications of Yenor, Bailey and Young to the Florida Senate for approval.
Gates’ application to be considered is dated Jan. 22, 2025. Read Garcia, R. Gates 2025-3050
My public record request for Yenor’s application has not been fulfilled – it’s over 60 days old.