The University of West Florida has a new leader, and he’s been all in from day one. Manny Diaz Jr., former Florida Commissioner of Education, officially stepped into his role as UWF’s interim president just hours after concluding his state post — and he wasted no time laying out an ambitious vision during a recent press conference.
From workforce development and academic excellence to football, food, and Florida history, Diaz touched on nearly every corner of campus life and community engagement, signaling a continued transformative chapter for the university.
Diaz began by emphasizing UWF’s unique position not just in Pensacola, but across Northwest Florida and the state.
“This institution isn’t just in the community—it’s interwoven with it,” he said. “From research to academics to partnerships, everything we do must both serve and reflect our region.”
Diaz praised the university’s many local assets, including UWF Historic Trust properties, the Center for Cybersecurity, and the Haas Center. He believes these resources, paired with regional business and industry connections, make UWF a powerhouse for innovation and hands-on learning.
Diaz’s long-term strategy for UWF rests on four key priorities:
- Academic Excellence – Continuing to strengthen faculty and expand capacity across all colleges, with a focus on research and innovation.
- Workforce Alignment – Growing programs in cybersecurity, healthcare, engineering, education, and other high-demand fields to meet regional and national needs.
- Military Support – Enhancing resources and outreach for military students, veterans, and their families in one of the most military-rich regions in the nation.
- Student Success & Belonging – Ensuring every student has the support, affordability, and opportunities they need to cross the graduation stage and thrive beyond it.
“Every student should know they belong here,” he said. “We owe it to them to give 1,000%, from the first day they arrive to the moment they step into the world with their degree.”
In attendance, Kaleb Nobles, UWF Head Football Coach, Alex Smith, UWF Director of External Affairs, and Dave Scott, UWF Athletic DirectorDiaz views athletics—especially football—not just as a student experience enhancer, but a branding opportunity for the entire university.
“Athletics is a front door,” he explained. “It brings visibility, drives enrollment, and creates momentum. If we can win on the field, we gain attention in every other area.”
With the recent announcement of a new football stadium underway, Diaz sees this as more than just a sports facility—it’s a community gathering space and symbol of the university’s upward trajectory.
Diaz plans to build stronger bridges with regional institutions like Pensacola State College, Northwest Florida State College, and Tallahassee State College, ensuring seamless pathways for students and shared goals for economic growth.
He also hinted at growing international ties. Thanks to connections from his time as Commissioner, Diaz sees potential for UWF students to participate in study abroad programs and collaborative research efforts in Spain, Argentina, and Brazil.
“Pensacola’s Spanish heritage makes these opportunities even more meaningful,” he noted. “We can connect the past with the present in powerful ways.”
Despite UWF’s impressive standing—currently ranked third among state universities in Florida performance metrics—Diaz isn’t content with coasting.
“Even when you’re maxed out on a metric, you can’t take your foot off the accelerator,” he warned. “Other universities are pushing, and we have to keep pushing too.”
Areas he believes UWF can improve include graduation rates and support for specific student cohorts, and he is already working closely with the Provost on targeted strategies.
Diaz’s commitment is clear. He landed in Miami from an international trip just hours before beginning his role and drove to Pensacola immediately. Though his family is in the process of relocating, he’s already immersed himself in campus tours, including the athletic facilities, staff luncheons, community meet-and-greets, and hosted Coffee with the President to connect with the faculty and staff that he has not met yet.
“I plan to be visible—on foot, in a golf cart, whatever it takes,” he said. “This isn’t a job you do from an office. You lead by showing up, by listening, and by striving together.”
His Final Words: Respect the Past and Push the Future
As a lifelong educator, he closed the press conference with a message that resonated beyond academia.
“This is about building a legacy. It’s about respecting the history of UWF and Pensacola, but also pushing forward to what’s possible,” he said. “We’re not going to think small. We’re going to aim high—together.”
Follow University of West Florida President Manny Diaz on Instagram at @uwfprez.
