Incoming UWF Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. to begin Monday
The University of West Florida will welcome Manny Diaz Jr. on Monday, July 14, as he officially assumes the role of interim president. Diaz was approved by the Florida Board of Governors on June 18, following his appointment by the UWF Board of Trustees on May 27.
In the coming weeks, Diaz will engage with students, faculty, staff and community leaders through one-on-one meetings, Cabinet sessions, and participation in UWF events and traditions, including Argo Arrival and athletic events.
“I am honored to step into this role and lead the University of West Florida into this next chapter,” Diaz said. “UWF has a proud legacy and a promising future, and I look forward to working alongside our students, faculty, staff and community partners to continue building on its momentum. Together, we will advance and explore new opportunities to serve our region and state with excellence.”
A longtime educator and public servant, Diaz brings a bold, student-centered vision to the University — one rooted in excellence, innovation and regional impact. Diaz’s leadership will focus on strengthening academic excellence and expanding UWF’s research capacity, growing workforce-aligned programs and partnerships, promoting access and affordability for students, and enhancing the University’s role in driving economic and community development across Northwest Florida.
“On behalf of the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, I welcome Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. to the University,” said Rebecca Matthews, chair of the UWF Board of Trustees. “I am certain his energy and passion for education will permeate throughout the University as with community leaders, the military and surrounding industry — positively impacting Northwest Florida and beyond.”
Diaz most recently served as Florida’s Commissioner of Education, a role he held from 2022 to 2025, where he focused on student outcomes, career pathways and K–12 and higher education alignment. Prior to that, he served in the Florida Senate from 2018 to 2022 and the Florida House of Representatives from 2012 to 2018, where he held several leadership positions including chair of the Senate Education Committee. His legislative tenure was marked by a commitment to innovation in education, school choice and workforce readiness.
Before entering public service, Diaz spent over a decade in public education as a social studies teacher, baseball coach, assistant principal and education administrator. He also served as Chief Operating Officer of Doral College from 2013 to 2022. He holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and he completed a Harvard Graduate School of Education program for principals.
For more information about the University of West Florida, visit uwf.edu.
