The University of West Florida (UWF) Board of Trustees on Thursday selected Manny Diaz Jr. as the university’s next president, elevating the interim leader after a national search. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.
Diaz has served as UWF’s interim president since July and was named the sole finalist for the position in November. If confirmed, he will become the university’s seventh president.
“During his past six months as interim president, Diaz has demonstrated that he is exceptionally suited for this role through his engagement with students, faculty, staff, and the community,” UWF Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Matthews said. “We are confident that his leadership will be a catalyst for the University of West Florida to continue to succeed, grow and deepen its impact on the Northwest Florida region and beyond.”
Before joining UWF, Diaz served as Florida’s commissioner of education, overseeing statewide education policy, academic standards and student success initiatives across the K–20 system. His career includes experience as a classroom teacher, school administrator and policymaker, a background trustees said aligns with the university’s mission and Florida’s higher education priorities.
In a statement, Diaz said he was honored by the board’s decision and described UWF as an institution with strong momentum.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust UWF and the Board of Trustees has placed in me,” he said. “UWF is a dynamic institution with extraordinary momentum, and I am excited to work alongside our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners to build upon that success. Together, we will continue to elevate UWF’s impact, strengthen opportunities for students, and advance our mission of excellence for the region and beyond.”
Diaz’s selection now moves to the Board of Governors for final approval, a standard step in Florida’s public university system.
