Stuart Bell voted president by UF Board of Trustees, state confirmation awaits

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The University of Florida has selected a new president.

On Wednesday, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved former University of Alabama President Dr. Stuart Bell after interviews and a final vote.

TV20’s Mistie Webb attended the meeting at Emerson Alumni Hall. She says Dr. Bell was interviewed for hours before the vote to name him UF’s president.

Multiple students and community members spoke ahead of this vote. Many students voiced overwhelming support including the Student Body Vice President Donovan Francois, who pointed to Bell’s emphasis on academic excellence and respect for their education.

State Senator Keith Perry said he met Bell and called his resume “remarkable”. Former Student Body President Blake Cox told trustees student voices matter and said Bell “checked every box” and would be “the perfect candidate.”

For some students, their support for Bell was personal.

“After hearing Dr. Bell discuss his support of Jewish students during the student forum last Wednesday,” said Remi Heyer, a rising sophomore, “he gained my support for his candidacy for UF President.

Trustees say they were confident in the selection. They noted Bell’s experience, fundraising track record, and vision for the university.

The board also defended the search process which has been criticized for lack of transparency by Senator Rick Scott. Trustees say it followed Florida law with a confidential selection phase followed by public forums and interviews.

The decision now heads to the Florida Board of Governors for final confirmation, which is the point in this process where presidential finalist Santa Ono was rejected last summer.

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