Florida Board of Governors Confirms Stuart Bell as University of Florida’s 14th President

Florida Board of Governors approves new UF president criticized over past DEI support

The Florida Board of Governors on Wednesday voted to approve Stuart Bell as president of the University of Florida despite criticisms lodged against him. Some education watchdogs had questioned whether the former University of Alabama leader was the right pick for the job, noting he founded Alabama’s DEI office in 2017, hired its first chief diversity officer, and told staff in recent years… Source

Former Alabama president gets University of Florida job after DEI questions

Stuart Bell cleared the final hurdle in his politically charged bid for the University of Florida presidency Wednesday after the State University System’s Board of Governors voted to approve his nomination, capping a six-week selection process consumed by ideological litmus tests, Republican infighting and a public power struggle over the university’s governance.

BOG Confirms Bell as New UF President

By Ana Goñi-Lessan, The News Service of Florida The Board of Governors approved Stuart Bell as the 14th president of the University of Florida. After tumultuous weeks of controversy about his appointment and years of leadership instability at Florida’s flagship university, Bell was confirmed by the BOG at a special meeting at the University of South Florida on Wednesday morning. “I will serve with integrity, I will serve with humility, I will se…

Florida Board of Governors Confirms Stuart Bell as UF President

The Florida Board of Governors on Wednesday confirmed Dr. Stuart R. Bell as the 14th president of the University of Florida (UF), ending a confirmation process that had been clouded by questions over UF governance policies. Bell’s confirmation is effective immediately and follows his unanimous selection by the UF Board of Trustees and unanimous recommendation by the university’s Presidential Search Advisory Committee. Bell previously served for …

Stuart Bell is the new University of Florida president, concluding a two-year search

Stuart Bell was approved as the University of Florida president on July 1, 2026. (Photo via University of Florida)The University of Florida has a permanent president again.  The Florida Board of Governors approved former University of Alabama President Stuart Bell as president of the university Wednesday, ending two years of interim leadership.  During a two-hour special meeting in Tampa, Bell laid out his vision for the university while facing …

Florida Board of Governors approves Stuart Bell as UF President

In a 15-1 vote, the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) approved Stuart Bell to be the new President of the University of Florida. “I know that the greatest chapter, the greatest time ahead for Florida is yet ahead,” Bell told the BOG as he spoke about a goal to make UF the best public school in the country. “I will serve with integrity. I will serve with humility. I will serve with accountability for this group and to my Board of Trustees.” The st…