The University of West Florida’s board of trustees voted to appoint Manny Diaz Jr., a former Republican lawmaker and state education commissioner, as president after a search that faculty critics called rushed and procedurally flawed. The board voted 11–1 to make Diaz’s interim role permanent, according to reporting on the board’s December decision. Faculty senate leaders said the search produced a single finalist and accused trustees of ignoring standard search norms; Heather Riddell, the Faculty Senate president, cited regulations requiring more than two applicants unless exceptional circumstances apply. Critics warned the process undercuts faculty voice and could strain town– gown relations as the hire proceeds to the Florida Board of Governors for final approval. Trustees defended the decision as decisive leadership during a period of institutional change; the faculty noted the board also approved a pay package that significantly raises the president’s compensation. The controversy highlights tensions between governing boards’ urgency to stabilize campuses and faculty calls for a transparent, competitive presidential search.