Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends,
It is my great privilege to announce the Inauguration of UF’s 14th President Stuart R. Bell has been scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026.
President Bell has wasted no time getting to work for the University of Florida. Since July 1, he has started to identify and appoint leaders in key positions, met with various stakeholders, and is listening to all of you about what makes the University of Florida the best in the nation. Dr. Bell’s strong leadership and vast experience will build on UF’s momentum as a top public university in the nation.
The following individuals from across the campus will serve on the Inauguration Steering Committee:
- Aaron Hoover, Chief of Staff, Office of the Provost (Chair)
- Kevin Orr, Dean, College of the Arts (Vice Chair)
- Heather Ashley, Executive Director, UF Alumni Association
- Matthew Bravo, President, UF Student Government
- Michael Ceilley, Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Commercial Officer, University Athletic Association
- Sarah Coates, Archivist, UF Libraries
- Jason Degen, Director of Commencements, Office of the Provost
- Colleen Flage, Director of Executive Events, Office of the President
- Dr. Chris Hass, Associate Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs, Office of the Provost
- Dr. R. Raymond Issa, Chair, Faculty Senate
- Brian Jose, Director, UF Performing Arts Center
- Bart Knowles, Chief, UF Police Department
- Maria Gutierrez Martin, Vice President, UF Advancement
- Dr. Shannon Lowe, Associate Professor and Associate Director, School of Music
- Jeremiah McInnis, Associate Director of Transportation, Transportation and Parking Services
- Chris Moran, Chief of Staff, IFAS Office of the Senior Vice President
- Steve Orlando, Interim Vice President, Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing
- Melissa Orth, Special Assistant to the President and Associate University Secretary, Office of the President
- Brandi Renton, Vice President, Office of Business Affairs
- Melanie Ross, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, UF Health
- Chuck Clemons, Vice President, Office of Government and Community Relations
- Dr. Heather White, Vice President, Office of Student Life
- Nicole Yucht, Assistant Vice President, UF Advancement Strategic Communications, Marketing and Engagement
Please “save the date” of Wednesday, Nov. 18 for President Bell’s installation. Additional details will be made available on a dedicated inauguration website, which will go live in the coming weeks.
We look forward to officially launching UF’s new president with you. Our best days are still ahead.
Sincerely,
Mori Hosseini, Chair
University of Florida Board of Trustees
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