The University of Florida Board (UF) of Trustees voted unanimously Wednesday to select Dr. Stuart R. Bell as the university’s next president, advancing his appointment to the Florida Board of Governors for final approval.
Bell, who served as president of the University of Alabama from 2015 to 2025, would become UF’s 14th president if ratified by the Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System of Florida. The board is expected to consider his appointment at its next meeting on June 25. Bell is expected to succeed Interim President Donald Landry.
UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini called the vote a “resounding and undeniable show of support” for Bell, describing him as the right leader for the university as it seeks to strengthen its standing in higher education.
“Dr. Bell’s vast experience, solid character and strong leadership ability will be critical in taking UF to the very highest ranks of U.S. higher education,” he said.
Bell was named May 18 as the sole finalist by UF’s 15-member Presidential Search Committee. Before leading the University of Alabama, Bell served as provost and professor of engineering at Louisiana State University. He also previously served as 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 includes research and publications on natural gas and combustion engines. He was inducted into the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame in 2023.
“I am extremely honored and humbled by the Board of Trustees vote today, and I’m eager to join the Gator Nation and get to work. The University of Florida is exceptional in every respect, and I know there’s no limit to what we can all accomplish together,” said Bell.
Bell has also held leadership roles with national academic and engineering organizations, including the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Foundation.
