NEWS
March 28, 2025
Pensacola City Government Joins Opposition to DeSantis’ Controversial UWF Board Appointments
Summary:
The Pensacola City Council and Mayor D.C. Reeves have announced their intention to draft a letter opposing Governor Ron DeSantis' appointments to the University of West Florida (UWF) Board of Trustees, including controversial appointee Scott Yenor. The move follows widespread opposition, including from the Escambia County Commission and more than 2,800 signatures collected through the "Save UWF" initiative. Critics, including Councilman Charles Bare, have condemned Yenor's appointment due to past remarks deemed misogynistic and antisemitic. Another appointee, Adam Kissel, faced Senate resistance over his stance on privatizing public universities and criticism of the GI Bill. Pensacola leaders are pushing back, expressing concerns that DeSantis' appointments could undermine local community influence on UWF's governance.
MAR 2025
March 27, 2025
Senate Appropriations Committee Meeting Update
Tallahassee, FL
Yesterday afternoon, on March 26, 2025, the Florida Senate Appropriations Committee met to discuss UWF Trustee nominations. These nominations first go through the Appropriations Committee, then the Ethics Committee, before reaching the full Senate.
The Save UWF team has been actively advocating for local representation and transparency, meeting with key legislators and speaking at the Appropriations Committee meeting. Notably, members of the team met with Senator Don Gaetz, chair of the Ethics Committee, to voice concerns about the nomination process.
In a significant development, the Senate Appropriations Committee rejected the controversial appointment of Adam Kissel to the UWF Board of Trustees. Kissel faced opposition due to his views on privatizing public universities and statements about the GI Bill, which sparked concern among UWF alumni and community leaders.
Read more about the Senate Committee’s rejection of the UWF Trustee appointee on Rick's Blog.
March 27, 2025
DeSantis' UWF Trustee appointee Adam Kissel axed by Senate Committee
Governor DeSantis' appointee Adam Kissel was rejected by the Senate Appropriations Committee due to his controversial views on privatizing public universities and the GI Bill. In contrast, Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moya, and Ashley Ross were confirmed for the Florida Board of Governors. The future of Kissel's appointment is uncertain, as DeSantis can reappoint him. Critics, including former UWF trustees and local residents, expressed concerns over Kissel's and UWF Board Chair Scott Yenor's controversial views, especially on gender and race. The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee will now review the confirmed appointees, who will serve staggered terms if approved by the full Senate.
Title: Pensacola Rises: Community Unites to Defend UWF from Political Overreach
Summary:
In a powerful show of unity, a standing-room-only crowd gathered on March 18 at UWF’s SCI Building for a town hall meeting in response to Governor DeSantis' appointment of eight new, mostly non-local trustees to the University of West Florida’s Board. The appointments mirror the controversial New College overhaul and raise fears of a similar ideological shift at UWF. Community leaders, educators, business figures, students, and citizens voiced passionate concerns about preserving the university's local roots and educational mission. Journalist Rick Outzen emphasized that this movement transcends politics—it's about safeguarding UWF from becoming an ideological experiment. The community's overwhelming response shows Pensacola is prepared to fight for its university.
Link to article:
👉 Outtakes—United Behind UWF (Inweekly)
March 24 2025
Senator Gaetz Discusses Controversial UWF Trustee Nomination and Potential Outcomes
Senator Don Gaetz addressed the controversy surrounding Scott Yenor’s nomination to the University of West Florida (UWF) Board of Trustees. Yenor, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, has faced backlash over past comments labeling career-oriented women as "medicated, meddlesome, and quarrelsome." Gaetz outlined the two-step confirmation process, noting that if Yenor’s nomination is not addressed before the end of the legislative session, Governor DeSantis can reappoint him immediately. Gaetz acknowledged the widespread public opposition and emphasized the importance of UWF’s leadership to the region's future.
March 24, 2025
Controversial UWF Board Chair Yenor Meets with Florida Lawmakers
Scott Yenor, newly appointed chair of the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, met with state senators in Tallahassee, including Senate Ethics and Elections Committee Chairman Don Gaetz. Yenor’s appointment has sparked protests over past controversial statements, but Governor Ron DeSantis continues to support him. Yenor’s confirmation hearing is expected soon, though his name has yet to appear on the Senate Executive Appointments listing. Despite the controversy, Yenor led his first board meeting via Zoom, approving new degree programs and policy revisions.
March 21, 2025
Escambia Board of County Commissioners Oppose Yenor’s Appointment to UWF Board
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has formally opposed Governor Ron DeSantis’ appointment of Scott Yenor to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees. In a strongly worded letter dated March 14, BCC Chairman Michael Kohler urged the Florida Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections to reject Yenor’s appointment.
March 20, 2025
Controversial Appointments to UWF and PSC Boards Spark Outrage
The South Santa Rosa News recently published an opinion piece by Romi White criticizing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for his controversial appointments to the University of West Florida (UWF) and Pensacola State College (PSC) Boards of Trustees. The article highlights public backlash over the governor’s choices, which include individuals with a history of making derogatory remarks toward women, minorities, and marginalized groups.
At a recent Save UWF rally, hundreds of community members gathered to express their opposition to these appointments. Speakers included prominent figures like former UWF President Dr. Judy Bense, Quint Studer, Rick Outzen, and Belle Bear, whose family has been a major donor to UWF. Dr. Bense warned that despite DeSantis' term ending in 2026, the damage caused by his appointments could last for years.
One particularly controversial nominee, Joel Rudman, was criticized for using derogatory language on social media and for his failed congressional bid earlier this year. Another nominee, Scott Yenor, faced backlash for his negative comments about women in STEM fields, causing concern about how his presence on the Board might discourage female students.
The article urges readers to voice their opposition to these appointments by contacting key officials, including Senator Gayle Harrell and Senator Don Gaetz.
Read the full article here: DeSantis Tries to Sabotage UWF/PSC
March 19, 2025
Save UWF town hall draws standing room only crowd. Community leaders urge people to 'speak up'
More than 200 people packed inside the Studer Community Institute building Tuesday night for the first Save UWF town hall. Hundreds more watched the livestream on YouTube as a panel of speakers raised awareness about the changes in leadership at the University of West Florida.
The Save UWF committee was founded in response to recent appointments made by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, which include chairman Scott Yenor, who has sparked controversy over his remarks about feminism and comments that have been criticized as antisemitic.
March 19, 2025
The new New College?
Professors at a Florida regional public university wonder why conservatives are portraying their institution as a liberal bastion, and whether the governor is planning a major overhaul, à la New College, our Alissa Gary reports.
The appointment of five new trustees at the University of West Florida has set off alarm bells. One trustee in particular, Scott Yenor, has faculty members and legislators worried. Yenor, a political-science professor at Boise State University who was elected board chair, is a fellow at the Claremont Institute, a right-wing think tank, and has advised Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, on education policy.
The new board chair brings baggage with him:
Yenor wrote on X that he would emphasize “Western civilization, sound civic education, good work-force preparation, and professional education” — all standard components of DeSantis’s vision for Florida’s public universities.
In a 2021 speech, he railed against “independent women,” calling them “more medicated, meddlesome, and quarrelsome than women need to be.”
More recently, he suggested on X that only white, non-Jewish men were qualified for political leadership. Yenor has denied accusations of antisemitism, but the Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus has expressed “deep concern” over his potential leadership role.
DeSantis has worked hard to reshape Florida’s public universities, dismantling diversity offices, overhauling curricula and post-tenure review, and installing allies as board members and even presidents.
Until now, West Florida has mostly stayed out of the line of fire. Unlike New College, which was an overtly progressive liberal-arts institution, West Florida primarily serves Republican-voting counties. Yet a recent article in National Review called it a “college led astray by progressive ideologues.” Said one faculty member: “We’re being framed as something we’re not.”
Yenor’s views might be too extreme even in a red state. He faces a confirmation vote from state lawmakers. Last week, commissioners in Escambia County, where West Florida is located, voted unanimously to support a community group opposing DeSantis’s trustees and promised to send a letter to the State Legislature. Four of the five commissioners are Republican.
The bigger question: Why is the governor targeting a university that doesn’t generate controversy? New College was an unorthodox and progressive college. It’s easy to see why its ethos and academic programs rankled conservatives. But the University of West Florida is not that. “We’re meeting all the expectations that the state has set for us,” said one faculty member, “and yet still it seems like there’s this very ideological push to fix something where they provided no evidence that we’re broken.”
Read the full story here: Why a DeSantis-Backed Board Chair at a Florida University Might Be in Trouble
March 18, 2025
Town Hall : A Powerful Night for UWF
The Save UWF Town Hall was an overwhelming success, with a turnout of more than 400 engaged community members filling the SCI building to standing-room-only capacity—many even spilling into the parking lot.
The energy in the room was electric as passionate speakers took the stage, and audience members voiced their concerns, ideas, and unwavering support for UWF. The overwhelming response proves one thing: this community cares deeply about its university and is ready to take action.
Watch the coverage: WEAR News captured the event in a powerful segment summarizing the key moments of the night.
March 17, 2025
Save UWF Gains Momementum
The new appointments to the University of West Florida’s Board of Trustees have sparked community concern. A public event organized by concerned citizens will be held at Studer Community Institute on March 18 at 5 p.m. to discuss these developments and their potential impact on UWF and Northwest Florida.
Read More at Link Below
March 14, 2025
Dr. Judy Bense Speaks Out: Why UWF’s Future is at Risk
Dr. Judy Bense, President Emeritus of UWF, shared a powerful message: UWF’s survival depends on its community. She recounted how the university once faced takeover attempts and only thrived because local leaders and citizens fought for it. Now, with eight politically appointed trustees who have no ties to the university or region, UWF is once again at risk. Bense has joined Save UWF to push back, warning that donations are being paused, enrollment could suffer, and the new board has already installed Scott Yenor as chair. A town hall is scheduled for March 18 at 5 p.m. to discuss what can be done. As Bense says, "If we don’t try to change this, we are complicit."
UWF’s Women in Leadership Conference Inspires Future Leaders
March 12, 2025
The University of West Florida hosted its 11th Annual Women in Leadership Conference, drawing a sold-out crowd of over 430 in-person attendees and 200 virtual participants. The event provided students, young professionals, and executives an opportunity to learn from high-achieving female leaders who have made a significant impact in their fields.
Conference Highlights
Keynote Address by UWF President Martha Saunders – Titled “The Fine Art of Pivoting,” her speech emphasized how great leaders listen, adapt, and embrace change to strengthen their teams.
Mentorship & Leadership Panels – Discussions on finding mentors, leading with passion, and nonprofit leadership featured executives from education, business, and public service.
Teamwork & Leadership Growth – Jennifer Hoekstra, a partner at Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, spoke on the role of team dynamics in shaping effective leaders.
Closing Keynote by Rear Admiral (Ret.) Allie Coetzee Leslie – A powerful discussion on resilience, service, and leadership lessons from a military career.
Why This Matters for UWF’s Future
UWF has demonstrated its commitment to fostering leadership, inclusion, and professional growth. Events like this prove that UWF’s mission is to empower students and professionals—not to hold them back.
March 12, 2025
Community Pushback Grows Against Controversial UWF Trustee Appointments
Citing Yenor’s inflammatory remarks and UWF’s economic and academic impact, community leaders and Escambia County Commissioners have voiced strong opposition, pledging formal support through petitions, a town hall, and a letter to the Senate Ethics Committee.
March 11, 2025
'Save UWF' aims to stop DeSantis' controversial picks for university's Board of Trustees
Community leaders, alumni, and former trustees have united under "Save UWF" to oppose Governor DeSantis' controversial Board of Trustees appointments, including Scott Yenor, whose remarks on women in the workplace have sparked backlash.
March 10, 2025
Escambia commissioners voice support for UWF, concern over controversial board appointments
Escambia’s Board of County Commissioners is sending a message to Tallahassee that they are united in their support of the University of the West Florida and opposed to the string of controversial and political appointees to UWF’s Board of Trustees that have sparked community protests.
March 7, 2025
UWF Board Appointments: The Hidden Story
Political Games in DeSantis’s Appointments Office
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis should write a textbook on how power consolidation works when nobody’s paying attention. One chapter must be devoted to the political maneuvering happening right under our noses at the University of West Florida.
March 6, 2025
Escambia County Commissioners Agree to Send Letter Opposing Yenor’s Nomination
March 5, 2025
Florida Senators Crank Up Heat on DeSantis UWF Appointment
“How on earth this idiot got appointed to be on the board of trustees of a university is a question that is worth considering,” state Sen. Randy Fine (R-Melbourne) said during a Postsecondary Education Committee meeting.