March 10, 2025
Escambia commissioners voice support for UWF, concern over controversial board appointments
Summary:
As the Florida Senate prepares to confirm new appointments to university boards, Escambia County Commissioners have made their stance clear: They stand firmly in support of the University of West Florida (UWF) and against politically motivated trustee appointments.
At a recent county board meeting, members of the grassroots movement Save UWF urged commissioners to take action, warning that the university is at risk of losing talented faculty and staff due to appointees with divisive and extremist views. Among them is Scott Yenor, the current UWF Board Chair, who has made inflammatory statements implying that only non-Jewish white men are fit for leadership and that women should prioritize family over careers.
Commissioners responded with overwhelming support for UWF, with four out of five of them being alumni. They agreed to send letters to the Florida Senate Ethics and Elections Committee in support of the university and its leadership, emphasizing the need to preserve UWF’s excellence and stability.
District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry expressed concern over the potential impact of these appointments, stating:
“We do not need an exodus of skills and talent based on politics. We need a continuing, growing, thriving university like we’ve had, and I want to see that continue. I don’t want to see anything stand in the way of that.”
UWF has consistently been recognized as a top regional university, earning accolades for its high employment rate among graduates and its commitment to veterans. Supporters argue that the university’s success should not be jeopardized by political interference.
The fight to protect UWF’s integrity is far from over. With Senate confirmation hearings looming, community voices will be crucial in shaping the university’s future.