The University of Florida’s (UF) presidential search committee has unanimously recommended Stuart R. Bell, the former president of the University of Alabama, as the sole finalist to become the institution’s 14th president.
The recommendation, announced Monday, advances Bell’s candidacy to the UF Board of Trustees. If trustees approve him, his appointment would still require confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.
Bell led the University of Alabama for 10 years, a period in which UF officials said the university improved its national standing and raised academic standards. Alabama also achieved R1 status during his tenure, placing it among universities with very high research activity. Before becoming Alabama’s president, Bell served as provost and professor of engineering at Louisiana State University. He previously was dean of the School of Engineering and professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Kansas.
Bell holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering and a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University. His academic work has included research on natural gas and combustion engines.
Rahul Patel, chair of UF’s Presidential Search Advisory Committee, said Bell’s experience leading a flagship public university, his fundraising background and his relationships across higher education made him the committee’s preferred candidate.
“After a robust and widespread search, our committee has unanimously concluded that Dr. Bell is the best choice to lead the University of Florida,” he said. “Dr. Bell possesses the qualities that make him a perfect fit for the University of Florida, including strong academic credentials. We are confident Dr. Bell will transition seamlessly into this new role and build on UF’s reputation as one of the nation’s leading public universities. We believe Dr. Bell is uniquely positioned to help UF continue its trajectory toward becoming consistently recognized among the top three public universities in America.”
Bell also has experience in college athletics leadership. He served as president of the Southeastern Conference from 2023 to 2025 and was a member of the SEC Executive Committee from 2021 to 2025, working with universities, conference officials, federal lawmakers and the NCAA on issues affecting college sports.
UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini said he supports the recommendation, saying Bell’s academic record and experience at a major state university make him well suited to lead UF.
Bell would succeed interim President Donald Landry, who led UF during the 2025-26 academic year while on leave from Columbia University.
