The University of Florida Board of Trustees today voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Stuart R. Bell as interim president of the University of Florida, effective July 1.
During his time serving as president of the University of Alabama from 2015 to 2025, Dr. Bell played a critical role in strengthening academic standards, increasing student enrollment, advancing championship-caliber athletics, and modernizing and expanding campus facilities. Also during his tenure, the university increased retention rates and achieved prestigious R1 research status.
“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.”
Dr. Bell was unanimously selected by the UF Board of Trustees on June 10 as the university’s next president. As required by Florida law, the Presidential Search Committee was responsible for designing the search criteria, identifying and vetting a broad pool of qualified candidates, and recommending finalists to the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Bell’s appointment as interim president is subject to ratification by the Florida Board of Governors.
