UWF Police Chief Roman Jackson on UWF Pensacola campus

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. “Chief Jackson brings a proven record […]

Manny Diaz Jr interviewing with the UWF Board of Trustees

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 […]

Photo: Three flags fly on a pole above the President's building on UWF's campus: the American flag, Florida state flag and UWF flag.

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 […]

Photo: Toddler plays with milkshake glass behind a diner counter while another slightly older child plays in the kitchen behind her.

Pensacola Children’s Museum reopens with new exhibits funded by IMPACT 100

On Dec. 20, the Pensacola Children’s Museum will reopen to the public with a new exhibit entitled “Our Town: A Space for All,” featuring various historic businesses and sites inspired by Pensacola landmarks. The museum is also debuting a new, publicly accessible sensory space, entitled “Calming Seas Sensory Space,” which is the first of its […]

University of West Florida presidential seal over a photo of wild berries with a blue graphic overlay

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

A total of 3,873 undergraduate students enrolled during the Fall 2025 semester at the University of West Florida were named to the President’s or Dean’s Lists. The Fall 2025 President’s List features 1,742 students enrolled in at least six credit hours who earned a semester GPA of 3.90 or higher. The Fall 2025 Dean’s List […]

Photo: UWF student in front of research project board.

UWF researchers advance AI tools for wildfire damage mapping and environmental monitoring

Researchers at the University of West Florida have introduced a new benchmark dataset and evaluation of artificial intelligence methods that could greatly improve how wildfire damage is mapped and monitored at scale. The study, led by Valeria Martin, a Ph.D. student in the intelligent systems and robotics program, introduces CalFireSeg-50, a dataset built from satellite […]

Graphic: Argonaut helmet over blue-toned cybersecurity lab.

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. “This award affirms UWF’s position as a leader in cybersecurity education and training,” said […]

Photo: Four students walk on a sidewalk, talking and laughing, under golden trees.

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. “We are dedicated to ensuring that a UWF […]

Student stands with arms crossed in front of archway.

UWF announces first Rhodes Scholar finalist

The University of West Florida announced its first-ever Rhodes Scholar finalist, marking a historic milestone for the institution. The Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s oldest and most prestigious international fellowship, and this achievement coincides with the launch of the John W. Merting Family Office of National Fellowships. Established through a $500,000 gift from the Merting […]

Photo: Four panelists and a moderator sit on stage while a crowd looks on. Screen behind them reads, "Igniting the Spark: Finding and Being a Mentor. Rev. Ashlee Brown, Madrina Ciano, Kristy Craig, Cheryl Howard, Jodi Bell."

UWF announces 2026 Women in Leadership Conference

The University of West Florida’s Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz Center for Leadership will host the 12th annual Women in Leadership Conference on March 12, 2026. The conference will be offered both in person at the UWF Conference Center on the University’s Pensacola campus and virtually.  “The AWKO Center For Leadership is excited to present […]

Photo: Two students stand on each side of a whiteboard with a math problem.

UWF hosts student math competition

The University of West Florida Department of Mathematics and Statistics recently hosted Florida Math Days, a monthlong series designed to strengthen mathematical culture on campus and engage students of all majors in analytical problem-solving. Supported by a High-Impact Practices grant, the department partnered with the UWF Math Association to offer three two-hour problem-solving sessions leading […]

Archway with nautilus shell design surrounded by a tree with green and orange leaves.

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. “The Presidential Search Committee worked diligently to recommend the best candidate to serve as UWF’s next president,” said Zack Smith, chair of the UWF Presidential […]