Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Presidential Goals | University of West Florida
Skip to main content
University of West Florida lettermark University of West Florida logo University of West Florida logo

Presidential Goals

President Manny Diaz Jr.'s overarching goals include enhanced physical facilities and intellectual infrastructure and increased visibility for the University. These goals are intended to spur new energy and innovation in the pursuit of the University’s mission and vision. Each activity builds on well-established strategies that have and will continue to guide our actions.

2026-2027 Presidential Goals

Academic Success

  • Implement a predictive NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate tracking process to monitor student-athlete eligibility and retention.
  • Increase student participation in career readiness programs and services to strengthen workforce preparedness, expand employer engagement opportunities and enhance post-graduation outcomes.
  • Increase the percentage of undergraduate students graduating in Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027 who complete an internship to at least 35%.
  • Increase total research expenditures to $48 million.
  • Improve the University’s 2026–27 state performance-based funding metrics 2.0 score.
  • Increase Fall 2026 overall enrollment to 15,500.

Institutional Pride

  • Increase first-year student participation in Student Affairs-affiliated engagement experiences within the first six weeks of the Fall 2026 semester to strengthen student connection, belonging and long-term retention outcomes.
  • Exceed $5 million in cash philanthropic gifts during FY27.
  • Increase alumni donor participation to 4,000 alumni.
  • Host more than six Florida Alumni events to expand statewide alumni engagement.
  • Host six Presidential Speaker Series events that provide opportunities for students to engage in civil discourse.
  • Continue construction of the Synapse research building.
  • Complete the Educational Plant Survey and advance the Campus Master Plan update process to support future campus expansion, facility modernization and long-term institutional growth.
  • Continue implementation of a state and federal advocacy program with emphasis on combined and expanded funding opportunities.
  • Fully launch a new institutional brand refresh and begin planning and implementation of a new athletics brand refresh.

Athletics Momentum

  • Develop a comprehensive Sports Complex Facility concept plan in partnership with campus facilities management.
  • Optimize the athletic department’s digital footprint by restructuring the official website and executing a data-driven social media strategy to boost fan engagement.
  • Investigate and implement new revenue streams for Intercollegiate Athletics such as season ticket offerings in Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and Baseball.
  • Finalize the stadium architectural design and complete the venue operational blueprint to ensure seamless facility integration for the Fall 2027 opening.

Community Impact

  • Increase the number of active business and industry partnerships established through the Office of Workforce Development.
  • Develop and begin implementation of P3 opportunities for the University to expand housing and new retail entertainment facilities.
  • Strengthen partnerships with local military installations through collaborative initiatives and formal memorandums of understanding.
  • Host four Office of Public Policy Events debates on campus and increase attendance by 15%.