2000-09
A “historic” move advanced the University culturally, several sports teams won national titles including one team which won back-to-back titles. A new president who would expand athletics, even more, took the helm. Students, staff and faculty celebrated a 10,000-square-foot facility with offerings for all Argos. Learn more about these big wins.
2001
First NCAA National Title
May: The men’s golf team wins the first NCAA Division II national championship in UWF athletics history.
UWF Historic Trust
July: Following a repeal by the Florida Legislature, the Historic Pensacola Preservation Board transfers its building and collections to UWF. West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc. is established as a direct support organization of the University. In 2013, the organization’s name changes to UWF Historic Trust to emphasize that the sites, structures, collections, programs and exhibits of the organization represent a public trust.
2002
President Cavanaugh
July: Dr. John Cavanaugh becomes president and serves for six years. Under his guidance, the Florida Legislature approves a four-year nursing program at UWF, the University establishes a degree in hospitality, recreation and resort management and graduate classes in historic preservation begin in Historic Pensacola Village. Also, UWF survives Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Dennis in 2005 and becomes a national model for disaster planning and preparedness.
2004
Men's Tennis First NCAA National Title
May: The men’s tennis team wins its first NCAA Division II national championship.
2005
Men's Tennis Second NCAA National Title
May: The men’s tennis team wins its second consecutive NCAA Division II national championship.
2006
Health, Leisure and Sports Facility
March: The new Health, Leisure and Sports Facility opens, which includes offices, classrooms and labs for use by recreation and academic departments, as well as a 10,000-square-foot fitness center, racquetball courts, an indoor running track, multiple gyms and workout spaces and a 36-foot climbing wall.
2008
Men's Golf Second NCAA National Title
May: The men’s golf team wins its second NCAA Division II national championship in University history.
President Bense
July: Dr. Judith Bense takes office as the fifth UWF president and serves for eight years before retiring in 2016. Bense focuses on growth and visibility while enhancing the student experience and creating partnerships to make UWF a first-choice university. She builds a network of community partners and identifies regional workforce needs, and UWF increases its enrollment and strengthens its academic programs during her tenure.