The University of West Florida’s Board of Trustees voted 11–1 to name Manny Diaz Jr. president after he served as interim leader, a decision faculty members called the product of a rushed and limited search. Faculty Senate leaders said the process produced only one finalist and violated regulations requiring multiple applicants unless “exceptional circumstances” apply. The board approved a base salary of $674,000 with contract incentives that could push total compensation toward $1 million; the appointment still requires approval by Florida’s Board of Governors. The episode follows a recent trustee overhaul at West Florida and signals continued tension between new governing boards and campus faculty over search transparency and institutional autonomy.