University of West Florida Selects Manny Diaz as President

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- The University of West Florida Board of Trustees voted Thursday to select Manny Diaz as the university's next president. Diaz served as interim president for more than six months and was the only finalist considered for the permanent position. His approval carries an annual salary of six-hundred-seventy-four thousand dollars plus nearly three-hundred thousand in benefits, pending approval by the board of governors. Board Chair Rebecca Matthews says Diaz hit the ground running from day one. Faculty Senate President Dr. Heather Riddell cast the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns about the selection process with only one finalist from eighty-four applicants. Diaz responded to recent concerns about his ties to charter schools, saying his relationships benefit the university. He also announced UWF is pursuing a branding plan and expects logo improvements soon.