2025 State of the University Address Video Transcript
[Will Kennedy speaking]
Good morning, everyone.
My name is Will Kennedy, and I have the privilege of teaching our students as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice in the Department of Communication. Thank you for taking the time to join us today—both in person and those watching on our video stream.
The State of the University is a special tradition at the University of West Florida, where we will hear from some of our campus leaders about UWF's progress over the past year and what is to come. I'd like to recognize members of our Board of Trustees who may be watching on our live stream today.
Today's featured musical number will be presented by the award-winning UWF Singers. These 50 musicians are proud Argonauts, representing 25 different academic degrees and coming from all four colleges on campus.
They will perform Joy, with text by Sara Teasdale and music by high school student Hans Bridger Heruth. This piece is a commentary on the joy of love and commitment to love in return. The UWF Singers will perform under the direction of Dr. Peter Steenblik.
[UWF Singers singing performance]
Thank you for that wonderful music. Let's show our appreciation once again for the UWF Singers.
Our first speaker is Dr. Heather Riddell. Dr. Riddell is a professor in the UWF Communication Department in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. She also serves as UWF's Faculty Senate President.
Please help me welcome Dr. Heather Riddell.
[Dr. Heather Riddell speaking]
Good morning. Thank you so much for being here today at the 2025 State of the University address.
As mentioned, I'm Dr. Heather Riddell, and I’m the Faculty Senate President and a member of the Board of Trustees. I’m an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication, and I focus a lot of my research and teaching on digital media, AI, and strategic communication.
I have the pleasure to work with the Faculty Senate, comprised of 25 members from each of the colleges, and an executive committee that works with the administration to ensure our success.
I'd like to introduce our talented five-member executive committee. If they’re here, please stand.
Dr. Amy Mitchell-Cook is our Vice President. She is from the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. She’s a Professor of History and she focuses on maritime history. She is currently looking at Pensacola’s waterfront community at the turn of the century. She was recently recognized by the North American Society for Oceanic History with the K. Jack Bauer Award for lifetime contributions to the field of maritime history.
Dr. Jennifer Stark is our Academic Council Chair from the School of Education. She is an Associate Professor of Science Education. She is a former elementary and middle school science teacher. She now prepares future educators throughout the local region and state.
Next, we have Dr. Haris Alibašić, Planning and Special Issues Committee Chair. He is from the Louis Bear Jr. College of Business. He is an Associate Professor and a Whitman Faculty Fellow in the Department of Business Administration. He is a former Fulbright Specialist, senior official with NATO and the United Nations. His scholarship is in artificial intelligence, ethics, resilience, planning, and strategic management.
Next, we have Dr. Steve Kass. He is the Governance Committee Chair. He is from the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health. He is a Distinguished University Professor of Psychology. He has served on the faculty for over 27 years. Prior to joining UWF, he worked at the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, with a focus on simulation and training for submarine crews.
And finally, we have Dr. Melinda Lewis, our Secretary, who’s also from the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health. She is a Professor of Social Work and has been at the university since 2011. Her primary research includes rural social work practice, rural health and mental health, student learning through high-impact practices, and human trafficking education and prevention.
And then we are also lucky to have Chasidy Hobbs as our United Faculty of Florida representative. She is in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering.
As you can see, they’re very talented. I urge you to reach out to them with any questions, concerns, or ideas as we continue to serve the entire university community.
We have stepped up during this time of transition to advocate for you. This past year has shown once again the strength, creativity, and resilience of our faculty. In every college, department, and program, you’ve continued to elevate the student experience, advance your disciplines, and serve our communities.
You’ve won numerous awards and grants, and have achieved top scholar status. Throughout the years, your professional achievements have made us a place that attracts students, creates scholars, and positively impacts the community. Your work is instrumental in achieving institutional and student success.
Our mission as a Faculty Senate remains clear: to advocate for the people who make this institution thrive — our faculty.
We are working to ensure that decisions about curriculum, policy, and governance reflect faculty voice and expertise.
This means ensuring that decisions support — not constrain — our ability to teach, mentor, and innovate.
This means strengthening communication between faculty and administration so that our shared governance is not just a principle, but a practice.
This means we find ways to support faculty so they can thrive and reach career milestones.
This means we allow experts in their fields to pass on their passions to our students.
Together, we will work with Interim President Diaz and Provost Kuhl to continue to build a university that values academic freedom, supports intellectual curiosity, and fosters a culture of respect and collaboration. We will continue to seek out new ways to ensure we are a strong university for all.
It is a great honor to be in this role and to help support our shared passion for providing the best education for our students.
I’d like to close by thanking our Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and — most importantly — our students for their commitment to the University of West Florida.
Thank you.
[Will Kennedy speaking]
Thank you, Dr. Riddell.
Our next speaker is Ethan Henley, director of undergraduate admissions who also serves as staff senate president.
Please welcome Ethan.
[Ethan Henley speaking]
All right. Good morning, colleagues, friends, and members of the Argonaut community.
My name is Ethan Henley, and I have the distinct honor of serving as Staff Senate President. 
This morning, I want to begin by expressing our heartfelt appreciation to Interim President Diaz and our senior administration for their steadfast leadership and support as we’ve navigated transitions and celebrated remarkable success over the past year. In true Argonaut spirit, we understand that progress is achieved through unity and shared purpose — and together, we look forward to continuing that mission in the year ahead.
The University of West Florida Staff Senate is composed of 22 dedicated senators, proudly representing more than 1,000 staff members across all UWF campuses. At our core, we are committed to enhancing the quality of our workplace, fostering collaboration, and promoting a culture of excellence.
Staff Senate serves as a vital link between university administration and UWF staff, ensuring open communication, shared understanding, and meaningful engagement. Our senators are entrusted to deliver timely information, advocate for staff perspectives, and serve as accessible resources to their colleagues. Above all, we encourage every staff member to engage with Staff Senate and ensure that your voice contributes to shaping the future of our university.
Staff Senate also has the great privilege of leading initiatives that celebrate, support, and uplift employees while strengthening our connections to the broader community.
Among these is the Employee Recognition and Awards program, or ERAP hosted each year in collaboration with Human Resources. Last year, nearly 40 staff members were honored for their service and dedication to UWF during the ceremony, and this year’s celebration will take place on April 1st, 2026. I encourage you to nominate your outstanding colleagues when applications open later this year.
Our commitment to service extends beyond our campus. Through our Hand to Paw Donation Drive, we’ve supported local humane organizations, and together as one campus community, we raised nearly $18,000 for the United Way of West Florida — the most in at least five years. That level of generosity speaks to the compassion that defines the UWF family.
We look forward to launching this year’s campaign in January. And while we may have narrowly missed reclaiming the coveted bedazzled Armadillo Trophy during last year’s Argo Pantry food fight, we stand ready to join forces again with Faculty Senate and SGA during this year’s Founder’s Week as we renew our efforts to support the Argo Pantry and its mission to combat food insecurity among our students.
Beyond these initiatives, Staff Senate remains dedicated to supporting our employees through programs such as the Employee Textbook Scholarship and the Employee Emergency Fund. I encourage you to visit our Staff Senate website or speak with your senator to learn more about these important resources.
As I close, I’m reminded of Jason and the Argonauts, whose unwavering determination carried them forward on their quest for the Golden Fleece.
In much the same way, the staff of the University of West Florida continue their own quest — steadfast, collaborative, tireless — in their pursuit of excellence.
On behalf of Staff Senate, thank you for all that you do in service to this great university and to the students and community we are so privileged to support.
Thank you again, and Go Argos.
[Will Kennedy speaking]
Thank you, Ethan.
Joining us now is Trista Bennett who serves as president of the Student Government Association.
Trista is a senior at UWF majoring in Biology and minoring in Honors and Interdisciplinary Sciences.
Trista is also involved in the Kugelman Honors Program and the Campus Activity Board and serves as the internal vice chair for the Florida Student Association representing more than 430,000 university students in the state of Florida.
Please help me welcome Trista.
[Trista Bennett speaking]
Good morning, Argos.
I'm honored to serve as your 2025 through 2026 Student Body President and as a member of the Board of Trustees. This marks my third year in SGA, where I formerly served on the freshman committee and as SGA Chief of Staff. The previous administration made remarkable progress by focusing on community, accessibility, relevance, and engagement.
Some of their key accomplishments included creating Spring It On, which is a week of welcome events during the spring semester; hosting fall and spring Argo rallies, which increased school spirit and brought students out to sporting events; and reviving Passio Go, which is the trolley tracking app. Their work laid a strong foundation for the initiatives that we’re continuing this year.
My vice president Alexander Saelzler and I ran on the platform of Dream, a vision focused on increasing SGA’s reliability for students, enhancing student engagement, ensuring equitable support for all student populations, advocating for student needs, and promoting mental wellness across campus.
We are now six months into our term, and we're proud of the progress we've made. Our biggest initiative this year is the launch of a student discount program with local businesses in Pensacola. We are currently partnering with 19 local businesses to offer discounts, special deals, and spirit nights for students.
Next month, we'll host a mental health walk on campus, which will be co-sponsored by two local businesses, offering free bagels, giveaway items, and highlighting mental health support services on campus. This program not only strengthens our ties with the local community but also highlights our on-campus opportunities for students.
In addition to highlighting our local community and benefiting students through discounts, we're also highlighting our on-campus programs. We're collaborating with Parking Services to potentially bring back the popular Food for Fines program. Students will be able to exchange non-perishable food items and hygiene products for discounts on parking fines, with donations going to the Argo Pantry. We aim to offer this initiative during both the fall and spring semesters.
Internally, we've proudly sworn in 26 new freshman committee members. These first-year students are participating in professional development training, which includes resume-building workshops, event planning, and budget workshops, while serving as representatives for other first-year students.
Additionally, we're collaborating with Director of Conservation Chasidy Hobbs to create a new Director of Sustainability position within SGA dedicated to promoting conservation efforts and advancing the Green Fee initiative.
Additionally, to advocate for student needs, we recently hosted a town hall meeting in partnership with the Dean of Students, which saw over a hundred students in attendance. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and students have expressed strong interest in attending town halls in the future.
We're also working with Student Engagement to develop a comprehensive student survey to better understand student needs, campus needs, and ideas for new events and traditions on campus. This survey is currently being finalized and will be distributed soon.
Finally, we're committed to creating a vibrant campus experience. In August, we hosted Screen on the Green, which was a movie night on the Cannon Green. We saw over 400 students, which was a significant increase from last year's attendance.
We've also conducted student tabling sessions to assess awareness of the Argo Den, which is a campus resource funded by SGA that supplies free school supplies to students. These surveys are helping us identify new resources students want to see added to the Argo Den.
The Bennett Saelzler administration is incredibly excited for what lies ahead this year. We're committed to improving the student experience, strengthening our campus community, and ensuring every Argo feels supported and heard.
Thank you to all the departments, faculty, and senior leadership members who have partnered with us in achieving these goals. Together we dream big.
Thank you, and go Argos.
[Will Kennedy speaking]
Thank you, Trista.
It is now my pleasure to introduce our interim president, Manny Diaz Jr.
Diaz comes to UWF in July, bringing more than three decades of experience in educational leadership, public policy, and institutional development.
He spent the first three months engaging with students, faculty, staff, military, and community leaders, immersing himself in the university’s traditions while moving the university forward.
Please welcome our interim president, Manny Diaz Jr.
[Video]
Every morning, the sun rises over a campus alive with possibility. In these past four months, a new energy has taken root. This fall, we welcomed more than 15,000 students — a milestone built on opportunity and shared purpose. Ranked sixth among public schools in the South, a national leader for veterans, a newly designated research university.
From cybersecurity to AI, we have secured landmark funding, fueling discovery and expanding our impact. Our students shine on global stages, in national competitions, and in classrooms where learning meets the real world. Our faculty is shaping knowledge and mentoring the next generation with global recognition and local impact. Championships, service, spirit. Argonauts lead with pride and determination.
The president has led by listening, showing up, and inspiring us to reach higher together. The story of the University of West Florida is written in motion — and it begins now. 
[Manny Diaz Jr. speaking]
Welcome, Argos. It’s great to be with you today. Whether you’re a member of our faculty, staff, student body, or community, thank you for being here.
The University of West Florida continues to grow, innovate, and thrive, and it’s because of the dedication and spirit of every one of you. It’s an honor to serve as your interim president and to stand among such an inspiring group of people who care deeply about the University of West Florida. I’m proud to say that the state of our university is strong, and our future is even brighter.
Over the past year, the University of West Florida has continued to build remarkable momentum, achieving record-breaking milestones, earning national recognition, and advancing our mission to serve students, our region, and our state with excellence.
This fall, UWF reached an exciting milestone, welcoming more than 15,000 students. This isn’t just a number — it’s a reflection of trust. Trust from students and families who see the value of a UWF education, who believe in the strength of our faculty, and who know that opportunity happens here.
More students than ever before are choosing UWF because of the quality of our programs, the personalized support we offer, and the future they can build with us. Our growth is matched by our reputation.
This year, UWF achieved some of the strongest rankings ever. For the fourth consecutive year, we are ranked among the top 10 public schools in the South by U.S. News and World Report, currently standing at number six. We’re also ranked number six for Best Colleges for Veterans in the South. Military Times placed UWF number eight in the nation and number one in Florida as Best for Vets — our highest placement to date.
We’re also ranked third among all State University System institutions in the Board of Governors’ performance metrics — a testament to our continued excellence in meeting and exceeding state priorities.
And for the first time in our history, the Carnegie Foundation designated UWF as a Research 2 high research activity institution, marking our growing national research presence and reaffirming the strength of our academic enterprise.
This was a banner year for research. Since August alone, UWF has secured nearly $65 million in external funding, a record pace for our university. Triumph Gulf Coast awarded the university $32.5 million to expand research infrastructure and launch a new Center for Computational Intelligence, serving as a catalyst for broadening UWF’s research portfolio and impact across Northwest Florida.
The Center for Cybersecurity secured UWF’s largest federal grant to date — $9.6 million — to enhance the National Workforce Development Program CyberSkills2Work, alongside a $2 million grant to broaden training for government employees, positioning UWF as Florida’s vanguard against digital threats.
Additional awards from the Department of Education, National Science Foundation, Air Force Research Laboratory, and more are advancing our expertise in civics, robotics, artificial intelligence, and teacher preparation. Collectively, these investments reflect national confidence in UWF’s leadership and position as a hub for innovation and discovery in Northwest Florida and beyond.
Our students continue to inspire us with their drive, talent, and global impact. This year, graduate student Lousindy Mitton became UWF’s first recipient of the United States Department of State and Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship, while also earning a Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy scholarship valued at nearly $380,000 — one of only 50 awarded nationwide.
Our nursing graduates achieved an outstanding 97.67% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN, far surpassing state and national averages. Students gained hands-on experience in some of the biggest stages, from the Super Bowl to the NCAA Final Four and even abroad through the Kakehashi Project in Japan. Finance students placed top three at the Global Portfolio Competition in New York. Our speech and debate team brought home state championships, and our engineering students collaborated with the United States Navy on an innovative roboboat project.
These accomplishments reflect not only the caliber of our students but the opportunities that UWF provides for real-world learning and professional growth.
The excellence of our university starts with those who teach — scholars and mentors who are shaping the next generation and influencing their fields across the globe.
This year, Dr. Eman El-Sheikh was named U.S. Global Ambassador by the Global Council for Responsible AI. Dr. Shusen Pu received the Early Career Faculty Mentor Award from the Council on Undergraduate Research — a first for UWF.
And ScholarGPS ranked Dr. Wade Jeffrey among the top 0.05% of researchers worldwide in life sciences, with Dr. Sikha Bagui and Dr. Matthew Crow in the top 0.5% globally in their disciplines.
Our Argos continue to make us proud on the field, in the pool, and on the course. This year, our men's golf team captured the NCAA Division II National Championship, and our teams earned conference championships in volleyball, swim and dive, softball, and both men’s and women’s golf. And I’m excited to continue cheering on our undefeated Argos as they continue their football season.
These victories reflect the teamwork and pride that define our student-athletes and inspire Argo Nation. We are building champions for life.
We continue to invest in our physical and academic growth. This year, we launched new programs in respiratory therapy and civil engineering, both designed to meet the critical workforce needs of our region.
We also celebrated the opening of Building 80, home to new state-of-the-art labs supporting civil engineering and the Tyler Chase Norwood Construction Management Program.
Together, these achievements tell a powerful story of a university on the rise, leading with purpose and building a future defined by excellence, innovation, and impact.
As we take a moment to reflect on our path forward, it’s worth remembering what it truly means to be a university. A university is more than a collection of buildings or programs. It is a living network of people joined together in the shared pursuit of learning, discovery, and growth.
Recently, while visiting the athletic facilities, I reflected on the Greek word arete on display, which means virtue or excellence. It captures something essential about what we are as Argonauts. Excellence is not a destination, but a lifelong pursuit — the challenges that keep us growing in skill, character, and purpose.
Here at the University of West Florida, we bring this vision to life through our commitment to exploration, innovation, and collaboration across every discipline. From engineering and health sciences to the arts and humanities, our work contributes to the progress of our communities and the enrichment of our world.
Whether advancing regional economic impact, enhancing programs of emphasis, or strengthening workforce readiness, UWF continues to make a lasting impact through creativity and dedication.
Dialogue and engagement are central to this work. Our classrooms and labs are spaces where different ideas and perspectives meet, encouraging discussion, understanding, and personal growth. We believe that learning happens most powerfully when it’s shared — when individuals are challenged to think critically, listen openly, and learn from one another.
In an era of rapid change, UWF remains focused on what matters most: preparing our students for success, supporting our faculty and staff, and serving our region with excellence.
We are proud to be an institution that values both tradition and transformation, staying true to our mission while continuing to evolve in meaningful ways. In that spirit, UWF stands as a model for what higher education can be — a place where learning, discovery, and community thrive.
Let us continue to build upon that legacy, united in purpose and inspired to make a difference for generations to come.
As we celebrate our current strengths, we must also look ahead to new opportunities for growth. My priorities as interim president are clear: to build upon the strong foundation that has been established by those who came before us, establishing UWF’s reputation, strengthening and expanding its impact, and thoughtfully addressing areas where we can improve.
To that end, we will continue to enhance UWF’s visibility across the state and the region. One major milestone on the horizon is the completion of the Darrell Gooden Stadium, a modern facility that will double our football seating capacity to 7,500 and serve as a gathering place for our University and community.
With the support of a $2 million grant from the Tourist Development Council and other key partners such as the Florida Legislature and community donors, this project will bring economic benefits to Pensacola while deepening community pride and our Argonaut spirit.
Athletics are an essential part of the UWF experience, promoting teamwork, perseverance, and wellness. As we invest to expand wellness programs, incentives, and partnerships, we can foster a vibrant campus culture that supports physical and mental well-being for all.
We’ve also taken important steps to better serve our military and veteran students through the new Office of Military Services, a dedicated resource that reflects UWF’s deep connection to our region’s military community. The office will provide tailored advising, career support, and outreach to help service members, veterans, and military families succeed.
UWF’s recognition as a Gold Level Military Friendly School and a Military Spouse Friendly School underscores our continued leadership in supporting those who serve us.
In addition, we’re strengthening our research enterprise and industry partnerships to drive innovation and regional development. The Center for Cybersecurity, recognized nationally for its expertise and recent multimillion-dollar grants, will continue expanding collaborations that prepare students for high-demand careers and protect critical systems.
The Haas Center’s new Office of Industrial Innovation, supported by a $400,000 National Science Foundation grant, will connect faculty expertise with regional business needs in areas such as aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare.
These efforts position UWF as a catalyst for progress and opportunity across the Gulf Coast. These initiatives represent not a change in direction, but a continuation of the forward momentum that defines this University.
Together, we have seen record enrollment growth, increased research funding, and continued success in competition — all signs that UWF’s trajectory remains strong.
However long I have the opportunity to serve as interim president, my commitment is to continue advancing this momentum, ensuring that every member of our community has the opportunity to thrive.
UWF is more than an institution — it’s a community of purpose and possibility. Here, innovation takes shape, learning transforms lives, and collaboration strengthens our future.
As we move into the year ahead, let us do so with optimism, unity, and shared commitment to excellence in all that we do.
Thank you.
Go Argos!
[Will Kennedy speaking]
That concludes our program.
Thank you for coming. Thank you for watching.
And Go Argos!