The University of West Florida reached a historic milestone on Feb. 11, 2026, officially breaking ground on the Darrell Gooden Stadium, a multi-use football and events facility that represents UWF’s growth and a significant investment in the community. University leaders, student-athletes, donors, community partners and elected officials gathered on campus to celebrate the start of […]
WHAT: Celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Darrell Gooden Stadium at the University of West Florida, a transformative on-campus facility that will enhance the student experience and serve as a hub for community engagement. UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. and others will be giving remarks during the ceremony, and a reception will follow at the […]
The Florida Board of Governors confirmed Manny Diaz Jr. as the seventh president of the University of West Florida at their meeting today, marking a significant milestone in the University’s leadership transition. Diaz was named sole finalist for the position by the UWF Presidential Search Committee in November and was approved by the UWF Board […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The University of West Florida has been ranked No. 15 on the national Best for Vets: Colleges list and No. 1 on the Best for Vets: Education Employers list released by Military Times. UWF also ranked No. 3 among all Florida institutions and No. 1 in the State University System of Florida. “These rankings display […]
The Florida Board of Governors has appointed Janice Gilley and Kishane J. Patel to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees. Their five-year terms will begin on Jan. 7, 2026, and are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. “The University of West Florida continues to benefit from strong, experienced leadership, and I’m confident […]
The University of West Florida has selected Daniel Lucas to be the next vice president of Finance and Administration following the retirement of Betsy Bowers, effective Nov. 1, contingent on UWF Board of Trustees approval. He will maintain his role as chief financial officer of the UWF Foundation. “Dan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and financial […]
