Alex Smith named Director of External Affairs at UWF

The University of West Florida announces Alex Smith as Director of External Affairs, effective March 3, 2025. Smith joins UWF after serving the City of Pensacola as Constituent and Legislative Liaison and Special Assistant to Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves. In his new role, Smith will lead and manage external relations for the Office of the President, overseeing major presidential initiatives and ensuring their alignment with the University’s strategic goals. He will engage with external public and private agencies, organizations and stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and advance institutional priorities.

“I’m looking forward to working with Alex as we strengthen our service to the community, the region and the state,” said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. “His energetic approach to the work will serve us well.”

As director of external affairs, Smith will support the execution of UWF’s vision, contributing to the development and implementation of the UWF Master Plan. He will assist in developing UWF’s legislative strategies within the University’s federal, state and local government relations programs and advise the President on activities of the UWF Board of Trustees and other University boards, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives.

“I am honored to step into the role of Director of External Affairs at the University of West Florida,” Smith said. “UWF has a strong legacy of academic excellence and community engagement, and I look forward to working with Dr. Saunders and her leadership team to continue to build meaningful and impactful partnerships in and beyond Northwest Florida for the students, staff and faculty.”

As Special Assistant and Constituent and Legislative Liaison to the Mayor of Pensacola, Smith helped secure over $75 million in state and federal appropriations and grants. He served as a liaison between the Mayor’s office and various boards and commissions and the State Legislature and U.S. Congress. Prior to his employment at the Mayor’s office, Smith ran Reeves’ campaign and was a campaign consultant for Pensacola City Councilwoman Allison Patton and Escambia County Commissioner Robert Bender. He also worked as a senior legislative director for TSE Consulting and as an intern in the External Affairs Office for Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Florida State University, graduating Cum Laude, and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from FSU.