UF presidential finalist Dr. Stuart Bell responds to DEI concerns during public forums: ‘Look at my record’
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The University of Florida’s sole finalist to be the next president attended a series of public forums on Wednesday to answer questions from students, faculty, and administrators.
The UF Presidential Search Committee recommended Dr. Stuart Bell to become the university’s 14th president. Dr. Bell was president of the University of Alabama for 10 years.
Wednesday’s forums were the first opportunity members of the public had to hear from Bell after his selection was announced. On June 10, UF Board of Trustees members will interview Bell and vote on his nomination.
Bell’s nomination has faced some controversy, with Sen. Rick Scott criticising the lack of transparency in the search process. Others have taken aim at diversity programs during his leadership at the University of Alabama.
DEI Concerns
During the forums, Bell responded to the DEI concerns raised by students and clarified his record.
“Let me start off and be crystal clear. I am certainly not coming back to Florida to bring DEI or any form of Woke back, period,” Bell said. “I believe every student should have the opportunity to succeed based on talent, hard work, and determination on the part of that student.”
“If you look at my record, you will find that Alabama remained focused on academic excellence, student success, research growth, and recruiting outstanding student faculty. Those were the priorities, and those never change,” Bell continued.
Students from the University were able to attend Bell’s forums, one who spoke with TV20 expressed disappointment from his statements.
“He did not touch on the major issues affecting students, like the declining rankings,” said Kayla Arora, a rising sophomore. “I don’t feel like he touched on any actual issues. There was a lot of focus on identity politics.”
UF Athletics
Bell was also asked how he would uphold Florida athletics, to which he discussed his experience serving as SEC President for two years and on the executive committee for four. He says these connections make all the difference.
“I have worked with every SEC university in terms of the athletic leadership, as well as the university leadership,” said Bell. “I sat in those meetings, and we had a lot of discussion. So, I’m a well-known commodity.”
State Investment
Bell says if he is able to serve as the University’s president, he will dedicate himself to making it the best public institution in the United States.
“The charge is in serving the State of Florida,” said Bell. “Serving the needs of the nation is why we’re here.”
Bell talked about how the state makes a substantial investment in UF, which will help push the university forward of its competitors.
“The investment that the state is making into our program and our students is very compelling,” said Bell “But it’s also a competitive advantage.”
If approved, Bell will take over leadership of the university from interim UF President Dr. Donald Landry, who has served in the role since September 2025.
The presidential search committee’s previous pick, Dr. Santa Ono, was rejected by the state Board of Governors last June due to political concerns.
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