Archway with nautilus shell surrounded by greenery sprinkled with orange leaves

Manny Diaz Jr. named interim University of West Florida president

Today, the University of West Florida Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Manny Diaz Jr. as interim president, pending the Florida Board of Governors’ approval. Diaz, who currently serves as commissioner of the Florida Department of Education, will begin his new role on July 14, 2025, following the resignation of Dr. Martha Saunders. “The […]

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UWF faculty member receives national attention for insights on the earliest US domestic cats

Dr. John Bratten, a University of West Florida professor of anthropology, has received national attention for a recently published article, titled “Exploring the Arrival of Domestic Cats in the Americas,” that suggests the earliest cats may have been treated as pets. The article, published in “American Antiquity,” a peer-reviewed quarterly journal published on behalf of […]

Five award recipients hold their clear glass awards standing in front of a blue backdrop that says, "Here for Good"

UWF’s Usha Kundu, MD College of Health celebrates 10th anniversary with Community and Alumni Awards

The Usha Kundu, MD College of Health awarded community members for their achievements at its inaugural Community and Alumni Awards during the college’s 10-year anniversary celebration, held on May 20 at the Pensacola Museum of Art. The College also announced a $25,000 gift from family and friends of UKCOH’s founding dean, Dr. Ermalynn Kiehl. The […]

Group of children on a wooden boardwalk observing the surrounding water and trees during a nature excursion.

UWF Explore Trips immerses local elementary school students in hands-on science exploration

A new program at the University of West Florida is giving local fifth grade students the opportunity to come onto UWF’s campus for immersive, hands-on science exploration. UWF Explore Trips is part of the UWF Living Lab Initiative, which encourages greater academic and research engagement with UWF campus natural areas, facilitating outdoor class sessions and […]

Photo of David Bryant from the shoulders up smiling in a suit and glasses.

University of West Florida names new chief audit executive

The University of West Florida welcomes David Bryant as the new chief audit executive, effective May 12, 2025. In this position, Bryant will conduct and supervise integrated audits and investigations for the University, as well as provide advice on internal control, process improvement and compliance. Bryant will replace Cindy Talbert, who is retiring from UWF […]

UWF President Martha Saunders smiles with a UWF pin on her jacket in front of greenery

A Legacy of Growth, Excellence and Innovation: UWF President Martha D. Saunders Announces Departure

After nearly a decade of transformative leadership, University of West Florida President Dr. Martha D. Saunders announced she is leaving her post, marking the end of a chapter defined by growth, innovation and unwavering commitment to student success. “When I returned to the University of West Florida as president, it felt like coming home,” Saunders […]

Two students pose next to their professor, holding awards in hand with medals around their necks in front of an archway at the University of West Florida.

Two UWF Students Honored with National Awards from the American Kinesiology Association

Two students from the University of West Florida’s Department of Movement Sciences and Health have earned prestigious national recognition from the American Kinesiology Association, or AKA, highlighting their academic excellence and commitment to advancing the field of kinesiology. Ahnalie Layman received the Undergraduate Scholar Award and Rick Vigo earned the Masters Scholar Award for UWF, […]

Kevin Green and Dr. Martha D. Saunders pose in front of an American flag and a banner that reads, "Pensacola, FL Rotary Club."

UWF Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business and Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola name 2025 Ethics in Business Award Recipients

The University of West Florida Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business and the Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola named Martha D. Saunders and Kevin Green as the 2025 recipients of the annual Ethics in Business Award during the 23rd Combined Rotary Luncheon at the Pensacola Yacht Club. The Ethics in Business Award recognizes individuals who […]

University of West Florida President's emblem overlaid on an image of flowering trees on a green graphic.

UWF announces Spring 2025 President’s, Dean’s Lists

A total of 3,615 undergraduate students enrolled during the Spring 2025 semester at the University of West Florida were named to the President’s or Dean’s Lists. The Spring 2025 President’s List features 1,586 students enrolled in at least six credit hours who earned a semester GPA of 3.90 or higher. The Spring 2025 Dean’s List […]

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UWF to add bachelor’s degree in graphic design and digital media this fall

The University of West Florida announced the addition of a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Digital Media degree program, with a specialization in illustration, on May 6 at an artwork unveiling event at the Darrell Gooden Center on UWF’s Pensacola campus. The program, currently being offered as a specialization track in the […]

Two students hold a large check that reads, "2025 Southeastern Hedge Fund Competition. Georgia State University, J. Mack Robinson College of Business. Southeastern Alternative Funds Association. Pay to the order of: Alexander Francis, Lorenzo Weber. $10,000. First Place. University of West Florida.

UWF students win first place out of 44 institutions in global hedge fund competition

University of West Florida Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business students won the 2025 Southeastern Hedge Fund Strategy Competition, hosted by the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. Alexander Francis and Lorenzo Weber, undergraduate finance majors, earned the top spot among students from eight countries and 44 other universities, including the […]

Aerial view of a naval aircraft carrier with aircraft on top of it in blue ocean waters.

UWF public health graduates serve in leadership roles in the field of U.S. Navy medicine

UWF has had many graduates who have served in the U.S. Navy and in the field of Navy medicine. Many graduates have gone on to become senior leaders within their respective fields occupying jobs from executive medicine, senior medical officers for operational platforms, as well as continuously supporting the rigorous operational environments in which the […]