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UWF President Martha Saunders Has Resigned
May 12, 2025
University of West Florida President Martha Saunders has resigned.
Saunders, who has held the position since 2017, announced her resignation to students, faculty and staff.
Her resignation was preceded by attacks on the university by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The governor made four controversial picks to the University of Board of Trustees. Two of the appointees resigned, and one was never confirmed by the Florida Senate.
“Dr Saunders is an exceptional academic leader and a superb president of the University of West Florida. Under her leadership, UWF has met or exceeded every performance standard set by the state. UWF graduates have the best chance to obtain employment over any other higher education institution in the state. All of that is because of Martha Saunders’ commitment and capability. She leaves the University of West Florida in Triumph,” Florida Sen. Don Gaetz said in a statement Monday afternoon.
Here is the complete text of Saunder’s resignation message:
When I returned to the University of West Florida as president, it felt like coming home. This University gave me my start as an academic, and serving as its leader has been one of the great honors of my life.
In accordance with the terms of my contract, and after thoughtful reflection, I have made the decision to conclude my presidency. This was not an easy choice. I know it may come as a surprise, and for some, a disappointment. Please know I did not make it lightly. I believe this is the right time — for me and for UWF.
Over the past several years, we’ve accomplished extraordinary things together: record enrollments, historic fundraising, national recognition, and a campus culture that puts students first. We’ve met challenges head-on and kept our values intact. I could not be more proud of what we’ve built.
I will work closely with the Board of Trustees and the campus leadership to ensure a smooth transition. My commitment to this University and its people remains strong through my final day in office — and beyond.
Thank you for your trust, your passion, and your belief in what UWF can be.
With gratitude,
Martha
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Comments
20 Responses to “UWF President Martha Saunders Has Resigned”
Sometimes people over think these things… what if she truly is just ready to retire and enjoy life. She had a job and my understanding is she was good at it and the staff and students respected her. Enjoy your retirement
Woke/DEI = There’s too many minorities at UWF and I don’t like it
Most of the anti-DEI people in this thread more than likely never attended and will never attend university.
If UWF has a problem, its an on campus housing problem. It’s a chemistry/physics graduation rate problem. It’s a rising tuition problem. It’s not a DEI program.
Please consider the implications when DeSantis turns UWF into a Heritage Foundation playground. Sounds like some good ole INDOCTRINATION to me.
Bases on the majority of negative comments here either one of the following is true:
1. UWF is not a hotbed of liberalism.
2. Commenters did not attend University.
Dr. Saunders got out before any audit news hits! The liberal local paper is in her woke corner, as well as all the other Woke minded and Trump haters. One note of incompetence is the commercial building site they spent millions on at the entrance near the river.(her beloved predecessor was involved in that)! The largest rental part sits vacant after almost 20 years and never occupied! That one escapade of lost UWF money should be enough to discredit both of them.
UWF is rife with liberal socialist corruption, Universities are supposed to be bi-partisan or better yet stay out of politics all together.
A friend of mine has a daughter that went there and her professor wrote a scathing anti-conservative petition that was sent to Congress, all of the students were to sign their names on the bottom and if they did they would get extra points on their grades, my friends daughter and other students were afraid not to for fear of academic repercussions.
Not understanding how y’all can call UWF “woke” considering they have had multiple active student organizations such as College Republicans, Turning Point USA, and a (VERY) large Baptist College Ministries group. All equally supported as any other student group. The amazing thing about UWF is you have the **freedom** to pursue any interest you wanted. UWF was a wonderfully politically-neutral school who was focused on making students successful however that looks and I am so grateful for the relationships and experiences I had there.
As an alumnus, I don’t appreciate the constant infantilizing that y’all do to college students. We are bills-and-taxes paying adults of all ages, some married, some with children. If we are adult enough to join the military and fight for our country, then we are adult enough to pursue the educational freedom we want, not what the governor and his groupies are trying to decide for us. And if we did want a more Christ-centered education, PCC is literally 15 minutes away!!
@Bill that’s a weird sentiment. You join to serve your country not the CIC. Are you any less of an American than you were before he was elected? I’m merely a Veteran, not a retiree like yourself, but I served under both parties which made me apolitical if I’m being honest. Didn’t make a difference who’s in charge, my job was the same every day- uphold the Oath of Enlistment that you and I both swore to. Just food for thought, I hope you find peace in your heart soon. This too shall pass Brother.
All MAGAites and his followers including DeSantis are unaware of the truth and destruction they have caused to individuals and institutions these past months. I swore my oath and served 20+. Today under these administrations I wouldn’t have served a day
Buh Bye.
No more DEI or Woke ideology at UWF. Finally the grownups are back in charge.
You will still be found out you can run but you can’t hide !!!!!
@Bob
Please provide actual details of this alleged “woke” methodology.
That means factual statements, not your feelings.
Of course — a University President who has overseen unprecedented growth and stellar performance in state defined metrics is somehow a problem for the regressive policies of the lame duck governor.
Free speech and inquiry is not respected by this administration, federally and in Florida.
Y’all will be crying when the dollars UWF brings to the local economy goes “poof.”
I graduated in 1997 with a graduate degree from UWF. My son is currently enrolled at UWF. He has been keeping me posted on UWF shifting to being woke/DEI. I have gone into the student center multiple times to validate his statements. We did not have this destructive methodology when I was there.
UWF = University of Woke Florida
Not sure why she would resign. Was she doing something wrong that will be found out by DeSantis?
they will move on to the next liberal to take the job
Thank you Dr Saunders . Your leadership has been great for the university , the community, Alumni and students . So sad to see a great leader and academic being rolled into the politicians dirty games . Yet we appreciate her great service and luck in her endeavors.
GLAD YOU ARE GOING
Absolutely gutted for Dr. Saunders and UWF. She was a great president, dark times are coming for UWF
Must be scared of what DeSantis was going to find…