Executive Summary
- Manny Diaz Jr. has been named the sole finalist for the presidency of the University of West Florida (UWF).
- Diaz previously served as a Republican state legislator and Florida’s education commissioner before becoming interim president in July.
- The search committee reportedly reviewed 84 candidates, though state secrecy laws keep their identities private.
- The “sole finalist” approach mirrors recent hiring processes at the University of Florida and the University of South Florida.
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The University of West Florida (UWF) Presidential Search Committee has named Manny Diaz Jr., a former Republican state legislator and Florida’s former education commissioner, as the sole finalist for the university’s presidency. The announcement, made on Monday following a selection process that reportedly included dozens of applicants, positions Diaz to transition from his current role as interim president to the permanent leadership post.
Diaz, a distinct ally of Governor Ron DeSantis, has served as the interim president of the university since July. Prior to his tenure at UWF, he served as Florida’s education commissioner. According to a statement released by the university, the search committee reviewed applications from 84 candidates before narrowing the field. Under Florida’s current public records exemptions regarding executive searches, the identities of the other applicants remain confidential.
Zack Smith, chair of the university’s search committee, stated that after a comprehensive review, it became evident that Diaz’s background uniquely qualified him for the position. “It became clear that Diaz’s experience in education and politics uniquely prepared him to be UWF’s next president,” Smith noted in the official announcement. The decision bypasses the traditional short-list of multiple finalists, a method that has become increasingly common in Florida’s higher education system.
The selection of a sole finalist aligns with recent precedents at other major Florida institutions. In 2022, former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse was named the sole finalist for the presidency of the University of Florida. Similarly, the University of South Florida named Moez Limayem as its sole finalist during its most recent leadership transition. Critics of the process argue that the lack of public comparison between finalists reduces transparency, while proponents suggest it is necessary to attract high-caliber candidates who require confidentiality.
Governance & Policy Outlook
The consolidation of university leadership appointments under the “sole finalist” designation highlights a significant shift in the governance of Florida’s public institutions. Following 2022 legislation that allows for increased secrecy in the early stages of presidential searches, university boards—often comprised of gubernatorial appointees—have increasingly moved toward selecting single candidates with strong ties to state administration. This trend suggests a continued alignment between state executive priorities and higher education administration, raising questions regarding the long-term impact on institutional autonomy and the traditional academic selection process.
