Manny Diaz Jr. named interim University of West Florida president

May 27, 2025

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.

Archway with nautilus shell surrounded by greenery sprinkled with orange leaves

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 University of West Florida Board of Trustees welcomes Manny Diaz Jr. as Interim President,” UWF Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Matthews said. “As we prepare for the new school year, the University community will benefit from his experienced leadership. The Board looks forward to collaborating with Diaz Jr. to keep UWF thriving.”

Diaz is a lifelong educator, having begun his career in education teaching social studies and coaching baseball in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system in 1994. He then served as an assistant principal from 2007 to 2013 until becoming the chief operating officer at Doral College. Diaz was appointed commissioner of education by the Florida State Board of Education in June of 2022. As part of this role, he served on the Board of Governors. Prior to his appointment as commissioner, Diaz served with distinction in the Florida Legislature, first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012, where he quickly became known as an expert and champion of education. In 2018, Diaz was elected to the Florida Senate where he served as Chairman of the Education Committee. During his legislative career, he sponsored numerous educational initiatives to support Florida’s students, families and public school teachers.

“I appreciate the University of West Florida Board of Trustees for its confidence,” Diaz Jr. said. “In the coming months, together we will focus on advancing student-centered academic excellence and paving the way for our students and our community to continue to grow and prosper. The future of our University is bright.”

Diaz received his bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas University, a master’s degree in education from Nova Southeastern and completed a Harvard Graduate School of Education program for principals.

For more information about the University of West Florida, visit uwf.edu.