07/13/2026
A message from UF President Stuart R. Bell:
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends,
It is such an honor to send my first message to you as President of the University of Florida.
Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the chance to meet many members of the UF community. Every conversation has made me even more excited about joining this remarkable university. The pride people have in UF is unmistakable, and it has reinforced what I believed from the beginning: the University of Florida’s greatest strength has always been its people.
Because of your talent, commitment and hard work, UF has become one of the nation’s premier public universities. That didn’t happen overnight, and it didn’t happen by accident. It happened because generations of students, faculty, staff, alumni, leaders and supporters cared deeply about this university and worked every day to make it better. Every one of us has reason to be proud of where UF stands today.
But I also know we are just getting started.
Our goal is not simply to preserve the momentum we’ve built. It’s to build on that momentum and show that the University of Florida is setting the standard for what a great public university should be.
Over the past several months, as I’ve prepared for this role, I’ve had many conversations with the Board of Trustees about where the University of Florida is today, where we have the opportunity to go and what it will take to get there. Those conversations have only strengthened my belief that UF is uniquely positioned to be consistently recognized as one of the top five public universities in the country, while continuing to elevate our individual colleges and programs so they are recognized among the very best in their respective fields. That’s an ambitious goal, but it’s one I believe we can achieve together. I fully embrace that vision. I am fully aligned with our Board, and I look forward to working with all of you to make it a reality.
During my first 100 days, I will focus on a few priorities.
First, we will move quickly to recruit outstanding leaders for several key positions across the university. Great universities are built by great people, and having the right leadership team in place matters. Throughout my career, I have never worked with a Board of Trustees more committed to helping its university reach the next level. That commitment gives me tremendous confidence in what we can accomplish together.
Just as importantly, I am going to spend a great deal of time listening. I want to hear from our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. I want to know what you think we do well, where you believe we can improve, and what ideas you have for helping UF continue to grow and lead.
Those conversations will help shape our next strategic plan. It will be the roadmap that guides our work in the years ahead and helps us achieve that vision. I want it to be practical, focused and ambitious. Most importantly, I want it to reflect the ideas, experience and commitment of the people who make this university so special.
I know the work ahead won’t always be easy. But I also know this community is capable of achieving truly great things. I’ve seen the passion, the pride and the determination that make the University of Florida different. Those qualities give me tremendous confidence about our future.
Thank you for welcoming Susan and me into the Gator family. It is an honor to serve as your president, and I am grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to meeting many more of you in the weeks and months ahead.
The University of Florida is in a strong position. I truly believe our best days are still ahead. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves, get to work alongside all of you, and help write the next chapter in the story of this great university.
Go Gators!
