PENSACOLA, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2025) – University of West Florida Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. celebrated record enrollment, top rankings, major research awards, student and faculty excellence, athletic success and continued military commitment during his 2025 State of the University address on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Speaking to students, faculty, staff and community members, Diaz highlighted UWF’s growing momentum and reflected on the shared pursuit of arete — excellence in all things.
“It’s an honor to serve as your interim president and to stand among such an inspiring group of people who care deeply about the University of West Florida,” Diaz said. “I’m proud to say the state of our university is strong, and our future is even brighter.”
This fall, UWF surpassed 15,000 students for the first time in its history. The university ranked No. 3 among all state universities in the Florida Board of Governors’ performance metrics and earned its highest-ever placement in U.S. News & World Report, ranking No. 6 Top Public School in the South and No. 6 for Best Colleges for Veterans. UWF was also named No. 8 in the nation and No. 1 in Florida on the Military Times “Best for Vets” list.
UWF earned the prestigious Carnegie R2: High Research Activity designation and secured nearly $65 million in research funding since August. Major awards include a $32.5 million Triumph Gulf Coast grant to launch the Center for Computational Intelligence, a $9.6 million U.S. Department of Defense grant for the CyberSkills2Work program, and a $2 million cybersecurity training grant for government employees.
Diaz highlighted student and faculty achievements across disciplines, from national fellowships and competition wins to global recognition in research. Nursing graduates achieved a 97.67% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN, while faculty such as Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, Dr. Shusen Pu and Dr. Wade Jeffrey earned national and international honors.
Argo Athletics also celebrated success with a men’s golf NCAA Division II National Championship and multiple conference titles, as well as the currently undefeated football team.
“These victories reflect the teamwork and pride that define our student-athletes and inspire Argo Nation,” Diaz said. “We are building champions for life.”
In addition to celebrating achievements, Diaz used the address to reflect on the true purpose of a university – to be “a living network of people joined together in the shared pursuit of learning, discovery and growth.” He spoke about the Greek word arete, meaning “virtue” or “excellence,” displayed in UWF’s athletic facilities, noting that it captures the spirit of what it means to be an Argonaut. He emphasized that UWF embodies this pursuit through exploration, innovation and collaboration across every discipline.
Looking ahead, Diaz outlined priorities including construction of the Darrell Gooden Stadium, expanded wellness initiatives, the creation of the Office of Military Services and a renewed focus on research and economic development through new partnerships and innovation hubs.
“These initiatives represent not a change in direction, but a continuation of the forward momentum that defines this university,” Diaz said. “However long I have the opportunity to serve as interim president, my commitment is to continue advancing this momentum, ensuring that every member of our community has the opportunity to thrive.”
Diaz ended his address on an inspiring note, reflecting on the University’s mission and momentum for the future.
“UWF is more than an institution — it’s a community of purpose and possibility. Here, innovation takes shape, learning transforms lives, and collaboration strengthens our future. As we move into the year ahead, let us do so with optimism, unity and shared commitment to excellence in all that we do.”
For more information about the University of West Florida, visit uwf.edu. To listen to a recording of the broadcast, visit wuwf.org.
