The University of Florida (UF) Board of Trustees unanimously voted Monday to appoint Dr. Stuart R. Bell as interim president, effective July 1, as the university awaits final approval of his selection as UF’s next president.
Bell, who served as president of the University of Alabama from 2015 to 2025, was unanimously selected by the trustees on June 10 to become the university’s next president. His appointment remains subject to ratification by the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System.
The interim appointment allows Bell to begin leading UF while the ratification process continues. His interim role is also subject to approval by the Board of Governors.
“It is a tremendous privilege to serve the University of Florida,” Bell said. “UF is one of the nation’s leading public universities, and I look forward to working alongside faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters to build on that strong foundation and continue advancing the university’s mission.”
UF credited Bell’s tenure at Alabama with strengthening academic standards, increasing enrollment, improving retention rates, expanding and modernizing campus facilities, advancing athletics and helping the university achieve R1 research status.
The university said its Presidential Search Committee was responsible for setting search criteria, identifying and vetting candidates, and recommending finalists to the trustees, as required by Florida law.
