President Archives - University of West Florida Newsroom

UWF breaks ground on Darrell Gooden Stadium

University of West Florida — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 23:13:07 +0000

UWF breaks ground on Darrell Gooden Stadium

The University of West Florida reached a historic milestone on Feb. 11, 2026, officially breaking ground on the Darrell Gooden Stadium, a multi-use football and events facility that represents UWF’s growth and a significant investment in the community.

UWF to host stadium groundbreaking ceremony

University of West Florida — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

UWF to host stadium groundbreaking ceremony

WHAT: Celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Darrell Gooden Stadium at the University of West Florida, a transformative on-campus facility that will enhance the student experience and serve as a hub for community engagement. UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. and others will be giving remarks during the ceremony, and a reception will follow at the neighboring Darrell Gooden Center.

Florida Board of Governors confirms Manny Diaz Jr. as UWF’s next president

University of West Florida — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:11:48 +0000

Florida Board of Governors confirms Manny Diaz Jr. as UWF’s next president

The Florida Board of Governors confirmed Manny Diaz Jr. as the seventh president of the University of West Florida at their meeting today, marking a significant milestone in the University’s leadership transition.

UWF names new chief of police

University of West Florida — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:30:00 +0000

UWF names new chief of police

The University of West Florida has announced Roman Jackson as the University’s new chief of police, following the retirement of Marc Cossich. Jackson joins UWF with more than 20 years of leadership experience across all major areas of public safety operations including patrol operations, criminal investigations and strategic planning.

Manny Diaz Jr. selected by UWF Board of Trustees as the University’s next president

University of West Florida — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:19:04 +0000

Manny Diaz Jr. selected by UWF Board of Trustees as the University’s next president

The University of West Florida Board of Trustees selected Manny Diaz Jr. to serve as the University’s seventh president during a special board meeting today. Diaz, UWF’s interim president since July, was announced as the sole finalist on Nov. 22, 2025, following a comprehensive national search. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.

UWF creates Academy of American Civic Republicanism

University of West Florida — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:25:08 +0000

UWF creates Academy of American Civic Republicanism

The University of West Florida Board of Trustees has approved the creation of the Academy of American Civic Republicanism, a new initiative aimed at enhancing civic knowledge and engagement through education on American history, government and principles foundational to the American republic. Funded by a $1,555,318 three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the center’s programs will coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded EC-Council 2025 Academia Innovator of the Year

University of West Florida — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:30:00 +0000

UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded EC-Council 2025 Academia Innovator of the Year

The University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity has been awarded the 2025 Academia Innovator of the Year Award by EC-Council. UWF is the sole recipient of this honor in North America, recognizing the University’s leadership and innovation in cybersecurity education.

UWF reaccredited through 2035

University of West Florida — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:34:15 +0000

UWF reaccredited through 2035

The University of West Florida has received reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, educational specialist and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. This accreditation is good through 2035.

Manny Diaz Jr. named the sole finalist for University of West Florida President

University of West Florida — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 17:45:00 +0000

Manny Diaz Jr. named the sole finalist for University of West Florida President

The University of West Florida Presidential Search Committee has selected Manny Diaz Jr. as the sole finalist for the UWF Board of Trustees to consider as the University’s seventh president.

UWF named No. 1 education employer by Military Times, ranks No. 15 nationally on “Best for Vets” list

University of West Florida — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:30:00 +0000

UWF named No. 1 education employer by Military Times, ranks No. 15 nationally on “Best for Vets” list

The University of West Florida has been ranked No. 15 on the national Best for Vets: Colleges list and No. 1 on the Best for Vets: Education Employers list released by Military Times. UWF also ranked No. 3 among all Florida institutions and No. 1 in the State University System of Florida.

Florida Board of Governors appoints two new UWF trustees

University of West Florida — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Florida Board of Governors appoints two new UWF trustees

The Florida Board of Governors has appointed Janice Gilley and Kishane J. Patel to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees. Their five-year terms will begin on Jan. 7, 2026, and are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Dan Lucas appointed Vice President of Finance and Administration at UWF

University of West Florida — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Dan Lucas appointed Vice President of Finance and Administration at UWF

The University of West Florida has selected Daniel Lucas to be the next vice president of Finance and Administration following the retirement of Betsy Bowers, effective Nov. 1, contingent on UWF Board of Trustees approval. He will maintain his role as chief financial officer of the UWF Foundation.

UWF Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. celebrates record growth, reflects on excellence and purpose during State of the University address

University of West Florida — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:17:37 +0000

UWF Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. celebrates record growth, reflects on excellence and purpose during State of the University address

University of West Florida Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. celebrated record enrollment, top rankings, major research awards, student and faculty excellence, athletic success and continued military commitment during his 2025 State of the University address on Thursday, Oct. 16. Speaking to students, faculty, staff and community members, Diaz highlighted UWF’s growing momentum and reflected on the shared pursuit of arete — excellence in all things.

UWF increases capital campaign goal to $100M, announces new advancement leadership

University of West Florida — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000

UWF increases capital campaign goal to $100M, announces new advancement leadership

The University of West Florida is building on its record-breaking fundraising success, increasing the goal for its “Here for Good” capital campaign from $90 million to $100 million. The campaign, which launched publicly in April 2024, has already surpassed its original goal thanks to the overwhelming generosity of donors, alumni and community partners.

UWF to host 2025 State of the University Address

University of West Florida — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:30:00 +0000

UWF to host 2025 State of the University Address

WHAT: Join UWF Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. as he gives the 2025 State of the University Address. The address will be webcast live on WUWF.org. For ADA accommodations, please advise UWF at 850.474.2694, 850.857.6158 (TTY) or uwf.edu/ADAForEvents at least two business days prior to the event. For more information, visit uwf.edu/sou.

UWF Center for Cybersecurity receives record-breaking $9.6M federal grant

University of West Florida — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:30:00 +0000

UWF Center for Cybersecurity receives record-breaking $9.6M federal grant

The University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity has been awarded a $9.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of War CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office to expand the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development program. This is the largest federal grant awarded to the University to date.

UWF to host inaugural Leadership in the Age of AI conference

University of West Florida — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

UWF to host inaugural Leadership in the Age of AI conference

The University of West Florida will host the inaugural Leadership in the Age of AI Conference, designed for business, community and government leaders, on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. The conference will be offered in person at the UWF Conference Center on the University’s Pensacola campus.

UWF ranks No. 6 in U.S. News & World Report’s Top Public Schools – Regional South Rankings

University of West Florida — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:30:00 +0000

UWF ranks No. 6 in U.S. News & World Report’s Top Public Schools – Regional South Rankings

The University of West Florida earned its highest position to date in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 Best College rankings, placing No. 6 among Top Public Schools – Regional South. This marks the University’s fourth consecutive year in the top 10 public institutions in the region.

UWF enrollment exceeds 15,000 students

University of West Florida — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:30:00 +0000

UWF enrollment exceeds 15,000 students

The University of West Florida has achieved a historic milestone, surpassing 15,000 students enrolled for the first time in the University's 58-year history. To date, enrollment has reached 15,601 for the Fall 2025 semester, marking a 5% increase over last year and exceeding the University’s goal of 15,200 students by 3%.

UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded $2M grant to expand Florida cybersecurity training program

University of West Florida — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:30:00 +0000

UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded $2M grant to expand Florida cybersecurity training program

The University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity has been awarded a $2 million grant to expand the UWF Florida Cybersecurity Training Program, a statewide initiative that provides free cybersecurity education for eligible Florida government personnel. The program is funded by the Florida Legislature through the Cyber Florida: FirstLine initiative.

UWF begins presidential search, announces search committee

University of West Florida — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 19:00:00 +0000

UWF begins presidential search, announces search committee

Today, the University of West Florida launched a comprehensive national search for the University’s seventh president and announced the selection of individuals who will serve on the 15-member committee to guide the process. The committee will be responsible for collecting input from stakeholders, developing the presidential profile and position criteria, and recruiting and assessing candidates.

UWF names Vice President of Strategic Initiatives

University of West Florida — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 18:00:00 +0000

UWF names Vice President of Strategic Initiatives

The University of West Florida has named Dr. Clifford Humphrey as Vice President, Strategic Initiatives / Chief of Staff, effective August 4. The position was created to work closely with Interim President Manny Diaz Jr., reporting directly to him as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

Dr. Mary Anderson appointed Interim Vice President for Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs

University of West Florida — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Dr. Mary Anderson appointed Interim Vice President for Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs

The University of West Florida has appointed Dr. Mary Anderson as the Interim Vice President for the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs, effective immediately. In this role, Anderson will provide leadership for departments and initiatives focused on student success, well-being and engagement through a comprehensive co-curricular experience.

UWF to host press conference introducing Interim President Manny Diaz Jr.

University of West Florida — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:30:00 +0000

UWF to host press conference introducing Interim President Manny Diaz Jr.

WHAT: The University of West Florida will host a press conference to formally introduce Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. to the campus and broader community. Diaz will share remarks outlining his vision for the University, leadership priorities, and the role UWF will play in advancing academic excellence, workforce development and regional impact. Media will have an opportunity for Q&A following his remarks.