Let’s Keep It OUR University
FAQ
How Can I Help?
Who is Scott Yenor, and why is his appointment controversial?
What about Adam Kissel?
Why are Trustee Appointments Important?
Who are the newly appointed board members, and do they have any connection to UWF?
What about Gates Garcia?
How does the Florida Senate confirmation process work?
Can I attend the Ethics and Elections hearing?
What if I can’t attend in person?
Has the local community spoken out?
Why is this fight important?
How are UWF students involved in saveUWF?
How Can I Help? Here are just a few ways to make an impact.
Who is Scott Yenor, and why is his appointment controversial?*
Scott Yenor (Resigned April 9, 2025)
Scott Yenor, a political science professor from Idaho, was appointed to the UWF Board of Trustees and briefly served as its Chair. His appointment sparked immediate backlash due to his extreme public statements and lack of connection to UWF or the region.
Yenor has claimed that working women are “more medicated, meddlesome, and quarrelsome than women need to be.” He has also made repeated derogatory comments about Jewish people, racial minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals—statements that reflect a worldview rooted in white, Christian, male dominance.
His brief tenure raised serious concerns about UWF’s:
Reputation
Faculty retention
Student enrollment
Alumni and donor support
Regional economic impact
Legal standing and accreditation
Yenor was elected Chair by a bloc vote of all newly appointed trustees—none of whom had ties to UWF. He later resigned on April 9, 2025, after widespread public pressure and media scrutiny.
3. What about Adam Kissel?
Adam Kissel, a West Virginia resident and appointee to the UWF Board of Trustees, has been a focal point of controversy due to his advocacy for the privatization of public universities and critiques of the GI Bill. These positions are particularly concerning for UWF, which serves a significant veteran student population and is located in a region with multiple military installations.
On April 22, 2025, the Florida Senate Ethics and Elections Committee voted 5–4 against confirming Kissel's appointment. This decision followed his earlier rejection by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education. While Governor Ron DeSantis retains the authority to reappoint Kissel, the community's strong opposition has been evident through public testimonies, petitions, and organized demonstrations.
The rejection of Kissel's appointment is seen as a significant victory for those advocating for UWF's autonomy and alignment with its community values. However, continued vigilance and engagement are essential to ensure that future appointments reflect the university's mission and the interests of its stakeholders.
4. Why are Trustee Appointments Important?
Eight trustee terms were quietly replaced by appointees with no ties to UWF, no experience in higher education, and no roots in our region. In a rushed virtual meeting, they voted in new leadership — including a chair who didn’t even show up in person. These appointments are more than political gestures—they shape who leads the university, what programs get funded, and whether UWF retains the trust of students, faculty, and the community.
This isn’t how a public university should be run — and it’s not how OUR university has ever operated.
5. Who are the newly appointed board members, and do they have any connection to UWF?
In addition to Kissel and the now-resigned Yenor and Garcia, three other DeSantis-appointed trustees currently serve:
Rachel Moya – Recently relocated to Ponte Vedra from South Carolina
Rebecca Matthews – Based in Tallahassee; formerly worked in state health insurance programs; born in Pensacola but has no documented UWF ties
Ashley Ross – Political consultant with direct ties to the Governor’s office, based in Tallahassee
All three voted to make Scott Yenor Chair of the Board, later claiming they were unaware of his background. Their votes and lack of connection to the university have raised serious concerns about governance, transparency, and accountability.
6. What about Gates Garcia?
Gates Garcia (Resigned April 16, 2025)
Garcia was a Tampa-based appointee with no known ties to UWF or Northwest Florida. He previously praised Scott Yenor as “one of the greatest leaders in higher ed,” despite Yenor’s record.
A fellow at the Claremont Institute and host of a conservative podcast, Garcia’s background raised concerns about ideological influence.
He resigned from the UWF Board of Trustees on April 16, 2025.
7. How does the Florida Senate confirmation process work?
To officially serve long-term, trustees must be confirmed by the Florida Senate through a multi-step process:
Senate Appropriations Committee
Senate Ethics and Elections Committee
If advanced, a final vote by the full Florida Senate
As of now, some appointees have been reviewed and approved by Senate committees, while others have not yet completed the full confirmation process. No appointee is fully confirmed until their nomination is approved by a vote of the full Florida Senate.
Even if a nominee is rejected during this process, the Governor can resubmit that individual for up to two years, making community advocacy and public engagement critical at every stage.
One example is Adam Kissel, who was rejected by the Senate Appropriations Committee. However, he is still expected to appear before the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee.
Update April 18, 2025:
The date of that hearing is Tuesday, Aprill 22, 2025 at 8:30 AM.
8. Can I attend the Ethics and Elections hearing?
Yes! The Florida Senate Ethics and Elections Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 8:00 AM ET in Tallahassee to consider UWF Board of Trustees appointments, including Adam Kissel.
We are organizing free transportation for community members to attend and make their voices heard.
Click here to sign up for the ‘Fill the Bus’ trip ➜
Your physical presence matters. Legislators notice when citizens show up — and it sends a message of strength and solidarity.
9. What if I can’t attend in person?
There are still many ways you can support the campaign:
Write to the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee — handwritten notes make a difference.
Emphasize: Lack of qualifications, no UWF connection, and agendas that prioritize politics over the needs of students and educators.
Sign the Petition (3,000+ signatures and growing)
Pick up yard signs and pins at 423 E Government St., Pensacola
Share this website and our posts on social media
Talk to your neighbors, classmates, and coworkers
10. Has the local community spoken out?
Yes — the Pensacola community has responded with strong, organized, and bipartisan opposition to the recent UWF Board of Trustees appointments.
Community Town Hall: Leadership, Governance & the Future of UWF
A well-attended Town Hall event on March 18 was held to inform and engage the public about the potential impact of these appointments on the University of West Florida. The event was hosted and emceed by Jerry Maygarden, former Pensacola mayor, state legislator, and community leader.
Speakers included:
Belle Bear – Co-founder of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area and champion of local nonprofits and education
Suzanne Lewis – Former Chair of the UWF Board of Trustees
Rick Outzen – Investigative journalist and publisher of InWeekly
Debbie Ritchie – Former Florida State Representative, co-founder of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, and former President of Studer Group
Quint Studer – Business leader, philanthropist, and advocate for economic development in Pensacola
Domani Turner-Ward – Current UWF student and advocate for student representation and engagement
Dr. Lusharon Wiley – Former UWF Senior Associate Dean and current Executive Director of the Equity Project Alliance
The event brought together voices from across the community, including education, journalism, public service, philanthropy, and student leadership — all expressing concern over the future of UWF’s governance.
Official Community Opposition
The Pensacola City Council also sent a unanimous letter opposing the appointment. PNJ
The Escambia County Commission, led by Chairman Mike Kohler, submitted a formal letter of opposition to Scott Yenor’s nomination. Rick’s Blog
The Pensacola Chamber of Commerce’s Voices Concern: Yahoo News
“We do not need an exodus of skills and talent based on politics… I want to see [UWF] continue. I don’t want to see anything stand in the way of that.”
— Steven Barry, Escambia County Commissioner, District 5
(Pensacola News Journal, March 10, 2025)See How Local Leaders Are Taking a Stand — and How Your Group Can Too
11. Why is this fight important?
Because this isn’t just about UWF — it’s about the future of public education in Florida.
In 2023, the Governor made similar political appointments to New College of Florida, resulting in:
Mass faculty departures
Decline in national academic rankings
Loss of donor support
Erosion of academic reputation
This pattern is spreading — to FGCU, to UWF, and beyond. We refuse to let that happen here.
12. How are UWF Students involved in saveUWF?
A Note to UWF Students: Your trust means a lot to us, and we want to be open with you about what we’re doing and why.
Our message is simple: Keep it OUR university. UWF is more than just a campus—it’s a community made up of students, alumni, faculty, and the wider Pensacola area. Our team includes community leaders, alumni, former trustees, and most importantly, students like you.
We’re proud to have student respresentation on board who are actively involved and share their perspective to help us stay connected to what students care about. But we need many more student voices to capture more perspectives—that’s why your input is invaluable.
We’re not perfect, and we’re learning as we go. But we’re here because we love this university and want to see it thrive. If you have questions, ideas, or just want to know more, reach out. We’re always up for real conversations because your voice matters.
Let’s keep it OUR university.
UWF belongs to the people who built it — who study here, teach here, and serve this region every day. It does not belong to political operatives with no connection to our campus or community.
We are not against change. We are against control.
We are not against leadership. We are against ideological agendas imposed from the outside.
We are not just defending a school — we are defending our shared future.
This is more than a slogan.
“Keep it OUR university” is a promise — to stand together, speak up, and protect the institution we love
Last updated: April 17, 2025.