- Dr. Stuart Bell's inauguration as the 14th president of the University of Florida is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 18.
- Bell began his presidency on July 1 after unanimous approval from the UF Board of Trustees and confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.
- A diverse Inauguration Steering Committee with members from various university offices has been formed to oversee the event planning.
A date has been set for Dr. Stuart Bell’s inauguration as the University of Florida’s 14th president.
In a letter to students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends on Monday, UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini announced that Bell’s inauguration has been planned for Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Bell, former president of the University of Alabama, began his tenure as UF’s president on July 1 after being confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors. The confirmation followed Bell’s unanimous approval by the Board of Trustees and unanimous recommendation by the UF Presidential Search Advisory Committee.
“President Bell has wasted no time getting to work for the University of Florida,” Hosseini wrote in Monday’s letter. “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.”
According to Hosseini, the following people 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
Hosseini said additional details regarding Bell’s inauguration will be provided on a “dedicated inauguration website,” which is expected to go live in the next few weeks.
“We look forward to officially launching UF’s new president with you,” Hosseini wrote. “Our best days are still ahead.”