University of Florida Trustees Select Stuart Bell as Next President
The hire still needs state ratification after a unanimous vote followed campus forums and came after a search process that drew political criticism.
- On Wednesday, the University of Florida Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve Stuart Bell as the school's 14th president, moving the institution closer to ending a nearly two-year search.
- Facing scrutiny over diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives from his tenure at the University of Alabama, Bell emphasized he intends to build on merit rather than "bring DEI or woke back."
- U.S. Senator Rick Scott alleged the search lacked transparency and failed to interview three candidates as mandated under Florida law, criticism the board disputed in the meeting.
- The appointment now awaits final ratification by the State University System Board of Governors, which is scheduled to consider Bell's selection at its meeting on June 25.
- Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini praised the vote as a "resounding and undeniable show of support," marking a shift from the board's previous rejection of former Michigan President Santa Ono.
13 Articles
13 Articles
UF Board of Trustees Selects Stuart Bell as University of Florida’s Next President
The University of Florida Board of Trustees voted unanimously to select Dr. Stuart R. Bell as the university’s next president. Bell is set to become UF’s 14th president, pending ratification by the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System of Florida. The Board of Governors is expected to vote on Bell’s ratification […]
Florida Votes to Hire Bell as President
Florida Votes to Hire Bell as President Josh Moody Wed, 06/10/2026 - 06:00 PM Criticism of DEI practices at his last stop raised questions about Stuart Bell’s candidacy for the University of Florida job. UF’s board defied critics, but the larger state panel still needs to sign off. Byline(s) Josh Moody

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