University of West Florida President's Seal with nautilus shell in a shield over a magnolia tree

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 laugh in a classroom. Four students sit in the front row, two sit in the middle row, and two are visible in the back row. Text on sweatshirt on student in first row reads, "University of West Florida." Water bottles, notebooks and laptops sit on top of the tables.

UWF ranks No. 3 among all Florida State University System institutions in Board of Governors’ performance metrics

The University of West Florida landed in the top three among all 12 Florida State University System institutions and top three in four metrics in the Florida Board of Governors’ 2024-25 performance-based funding model, earning some of its highest marks in University history. The results, announced at a Board of Governors’ meeting today, showed UWF […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Graphic rendering of the future Darrell Gooden Stadium. A football field surrounded by a new stadium.

UWF awarded $2 Million TDC grant toward Darrell Gooden Stadium

The University of West Florida has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Tourist Development Council through the Tourist Development Tax program to support the construction of the future Darrell Gooden Stadium, pending approval from the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners. This grant represents a significant milestone in the University’s plan to build […]

Eighteen people stand behind and four people sit in front of an anchor on display

UWF LEAD program restores historic anchor for exhibition at UWF Archaeology Institute

A historic 1800s anchor which had been housed in the dark has been brought into the light, following the efforts of a campuswide leadership program. Faculty and staff of UWF’s 2024-25 LEAD, which stands for leadership, enhancement, activities and development, class worked with the Archaeology Institute to prepare the anchor for outdoor exhibition and create […]

Photo: Man sits at a colored-blue picnic table typing on a laptop in front of a mural colored-blue and green that says #GoArgos

UWF recognized as a Gold-level Military Friendly® School and designated as a Military Spouse Friendly® School

The University of West Florida has been recognized as a gold-level University in the large public school category in the annual Military Friendly® Schools list for 2025-2026. UWF earned the gold distinction for success in helping veterans make the transition from the military to school and, ultimately, rewarding civilian careers. The University was also designated […]

Two students walk down the steps to the right of the UWF entrance sign that is colored blue, while three other students stand to the left of the sign chatting amongst themselves and three more sit on the concrete steps in front of the sign.

UWF celebrates seventh annual Founders Week beginning April 12

The University of West Florida will honor traditions, engage in the community and celebrate the future of the University during its seventh annual Founders Week, which will be held April 12-17. Founders Week is a weeklong celebration that serves as an opportunity to bring the UWF family together, welcome alumni and visitors to campus and […]

A student using a laptop while sitting on a concrete bench outdoors in front of bushes.

UWF online programs rank among best in U.S. News and World Report

The University of West Florida ranked among the best in the nation in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report Best Online College rankings. UWF ranked 39th among more than 350 institutions for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and 25th for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans in the rankings released on Jan. 21. This marks […]

UWF President Martha D. Saunders celebrates achievements, provides future goals during State of the University address

University of West Florida President Martha D. Saunders highlighted record enrollment, thriving academic programs and emphasized that UWF is ‘Here for Good’ during her State of the University address broadcast live on NewsRadio 1620 on Oct. 23. The address originally scheduled on Sept. 26 on UWF’s Pensacola campus was canceled due to Hurricane Helene. “I’ll […]