Manny Diaz Jr. Selected by Board of Trustees as New University of West Florida President

Diaz OK’d for University of West Florida President

By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida The University of West Florida Board of Trustees on Thursday approved former state Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr., an ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis, to serve as the university’s president. Diaz, who has been interim president since July, emerged from a search as the lone finalist for president. The Board of Trustees also backed a five-year contract with a $674,000 annual base salary for Diaz, a Repub…

UWF trustees select Manny Diaz Jr. as president

The University of West Florida (UWF) Board of Trustees on Thursday selected Manny Diaz Jr. as the university’s next president, elevating the interim leader after a national search. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors. Diaz has served as UWF’s interim president since July and was named the sole finalist for the position in November. If confirmed, he will become the university’s seventh president. “During h…

Manny Diaz Jr. selected by Board of Trustees as new University of West Florida president

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The University of West Florida has officially selected a new president.After a search that lasted months, the Board of Trustees voted Thursda

Manny Diaz poised to be permanent president at UWF

Manny Diaz Jr. received approval from UWF trustees to become the permanent president Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (Photo courtesy of UWF)University of West Florida trustees have approved Manny Diaz to serve as its president, the second-to-last step before moving the former education commissioner from interim to permanent leader at the Pensacola institution.  The board’s approval is subject to confirmation by the state Board of Governors, which is exp…

Manny Diaz Jr. confirmed as next University of West Florida President

Diaz is a former State Senator and a political ally of Governor Ron DeSantis.

UWF Trustee Asks for Unity as More Quesions Raise about Diaz

UWF employee anonymously challenges presidential pick, citing financial mismanagement and conflicts. Departing trustee calls for unity. Questions mount.