Manny Diaz Jr. Selected as Interim UWF President Despite Concerns

Diaz Tapped as UWF Interim President

By Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Amid Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to reshape the state’s higher-education system, the University of West Florida Board of Trustees on Tuesday selected state Education Commissioner Manny Díaz Jr. to serve as the school’s interim president. Díaz, a close ally of DeSantis, will succeed outgoing President Martha Saunders, who announced on May 14 that she would step down. The selection of Díaz, a H…

Education commissioner to leave post, become interim president at University of West Florida • Florida Phoenix

The University of West Florida is located in Pensacola. (Photo courtesy of University of West Florida)Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. will lead the University of West Florida as interim president, the school’s trustees voted Tuesday. The change at the top is the latest fruit of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ attention to the Pensacola university, which the governor has warned to “buckle up” ahead of  changes he compared to his conservative overhaul at…

Manny Diaz Jr. selected as interim UWF President despite concerns

Despite two trustees pushing back and raising concerns about a lack of transparency, the University of West Florida trustees have named Manny Diaz Jr. as the school’s interim president. The UWF Board of Trustees voted to hire Diaz — a Gov. Ron DeSantis ally and the previous Education Commissioner  — during a special 90-minute meeting Tuesday morning. Diaz’s salary has yet to be negotiated, school spokesperson Brittany Sherwood said. His appointm…

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.

University of West Florida confirms state education official as interim president - Open Campus

Florida’s top education official, who helped spearhead the state’s crackdown on diversity programs, is now in charge of a school caught in the middle of that political fight. University of West Florida appointed Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Díaz Jr. as the school’s interim president Tuesday, raising fears among faculty and alumni that his appointment could lead to a permanent role. “If you name him interim president you will shut down…

Manny Diaz: A New Chapter for the University of West Florida

Florida's Education Commissioner takes helm at UWF: 'Students first' philosophy meets military heritage in bold new leadership vision. #HigherEd