UWF President Diaz Among DeSantis Associates Now Leading Florida Universities

University of West Florida President Manny Diaz Jr. is among a growing roster of DeSantis political allies and former staffers who have taken the helm of Florida's public universities and colleges, according to a social media post tracking the appointments.

Diaz joins six other DeSantis-connected figures now serving as university presidents across the state, including Jeanette Nuñez at Florida International University, Richard Corcoran at New College of Florida, Marva Johnson at Florida A&M University, Adam Hasner at Florida Atlantic University, Alex Kelly at Pensacola State College, and Anastasios "Stasi" Kamoutsas at Polk State College.

The pattern reflects the governor's influence over higher education leadership in Florida. UWF appointed Diaz to its presidency in 2023, positioning him to oversee the Pensacola-area university as it navigates state education policy under the DeSantis administration. His tenure comes as Florida's higher education system faces significant policy shifts, including controversial curriculum and governance changes at state universities.