Controversial University of West Florida Trustee Scott Yenor was elected board chairman by an 8-5 vote over local leader Dick Baker. However, the good news is no motion was made to fire popular President Martha Saunders.
Inweekly requested the ballots and found that the five new trustees appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, including Yenor, and the three appointed by the state Board of Governors appointed three last month voted as a bloc.
Faculty Senate President Dr. Susan James and SGA President Maggie Brown argued passionately for Baker, but it appears the fix was in.
For Yenor: Paul Bailey, Gates Garcia, Adam Kissel, Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moya, Ashley Ross, Scott Yenor and Chris Young.
For Baker: Dick Baker, Maggie Brown, Paul Hsu, Susan James and Alonzie Scott.
The motion for Yenor was made by Rebecca Moya, a Board of Governors appointee, and seconded by DeSantis appointee Gates Garcia.
Board of Governors appointee Rebecca Matthews beat Baker for the vice chair position by a 9-4 vote. Trustee Hsu joined the DeSantis/BOG bloc.
The next board meeting is 9 a.m. on Feb 13, via Zoom.