Florida’s Board of Governors approved Stuart Bell as the University of Florida’s permanent president, ending nearly two years of leadership instability following Ben Sasse’s departure. Bell, currently interim, had previously been selected as the sole finalist and installed in June. During the approval process, board members and stakeholders raised questions tied to Bell’s past supervision of diversity initiatives and broader governance concerns. Critics pointed to potential DEI and free-speech-related issues, while supporters described Bell as consensus-building and focused on accountability. Bell’s contract includes a $2 million base salary and performance-based bonuses tied to institutional goals. UF’s board also emphasized plans to fill leadership vacancies, including provost and dean roles, signaling immediate operational priorities after the political fight over the appointment.