Contact Your Officials
About Scott Yenor's and Adam Kissel’s
UWF Appointments
Scott Yenor’s appointment as UWF’s Board Chair threatens academic freedom and the university’s reputation—but we can stop it.
He isn’t the only concern. Adam Kissel’s policies put UWF’s funding, veteran education, and Pensacola’s economy at risk.
Example Letter to Senator
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Senator [Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Subject: Oppose [Scott Yenor’s / Adam Kissel’s / Both] Appointment(s) to UWF’s Board
Dear Senator [Recipient’s Last Name],
I am writing to urge you to publicly oppose the appointment of [Scott Yenor, Adam Kissel, or both] to the University of West Florida’s Board of Trustees. Their records raise serious concerns about the leadership and direction of UWF.
I am a [Pensacola resident, UWF alum, veteran, parent, faculty member, business owner, concerned citizen, etc.], and this issue directly affects [my family, my students, my business, my community, etc.].
Scott Yenor has a troubling history of misogynistic rhetoric, stating that society should "resist" women entering fields like medicine, law, and engineering. His views directly contradict UWF’s mission to promote inclusion, opportunity, and academic excellence.
Adam Kissel has advocated for cutting public university funding, privatizing higher education, and weakening federal programs like the GI Bill—which nearly 20% of UWF’s students rely on for their education and transition into the workforce. His policies would threaten UWF’s financial stability and its ability to serve veterans and the Pensacola community.
UWF is a pillar of Northwest Florida, contributing over $1.1 billion annually to the region’s economy. The university’s leadership should strengthen education, expand opportunity, and support economic growth—not introduce division, controversy, or policies that undermine its success.
This decision affects not only UWF but also Florida’s higher education system, its students, and our local economy. I ask that you publicly disclose your stance and take action to ensure UWF has qualified, responsible leadership that serves students, faculty, and the community.
Please provide a response outlining your position on this appointment.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
TIPS FOR CONTACTING OFFICIALS
✅ Any outreach helps, but the biggest impact comes from written letters, followed by phone calls, then emails. Lawmakers and their staff prioritize physical mail first, as it carries the most weight in official processes. Phone calls also get direct attention, while emails, though still useful, are the least impactful due to volume.
✉️ Letter Writing (Most Effective) – Handwritten or printed letters are taken seriously and often logged for review.
📞 Phone Calls (Very Effective) – Speaking with a staff member directly can make an impression and ensures your concerns are heard.
📧 Emails (Still Helpful) – While lower priority, a well-written email still adds to the number of voices speaking out.
How to Make Your Message More Effective:
🔹 Be Concise – Especially when using the governor’s online form (500-character limit).
🔹 Be Respectful – State your concerns clearly and professionally.
🔹 Include Your Information – Provide your name and contact details to ensure your message is counted.
🔹 State Your Connection – Mention if you are a UWF student, faculty member, alumni, or concerned community member to establish credibility.
🔹 Email Format – For senators not listed with an email, use:
📧 lastname.firstname.web@flsenate.gov
Mailing Addresses (for All Letters)
Letters should be sent to the Tallahassee office of the committee handling Scott Yenor’s appointment. However, for maximum impact, you should also send a copy to your own district senator to ensure they hear from their constituents directly.
Primary Mailing Addresses
Florida Senate Education Postsecondary Committee
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
Where to Send Your Letter
If you live in Pensacola:
Senator Don Gaetz represents Pensacola. Letters from local residents should be sent to his district office to ensure local concerns are heard by his team.
Send Pensacola letters to:
Senator Don Gaetz – District Office
418 W Garden Street – 4th Floor
Pensacola, FL 32502
📞 District Phone: (850) 595-1036
📍 For additional impact, also send a copy to:
Tallahassee Office
405 Senate Building
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
📞 Phone: (850) 487-5001
If you live outside Pensacola:
It’s important to contact your own district’s state senator, as they will have the most incentive to respond to their constituents.
Find your Florida State Senator:
🔗 Florida Senate Member Directory
Best Practice:
Send a copy of your letter to both your district senator and the Tallahassee committee office to maximize impact and ensure your concerns reach key decision-makers.