Former UA President Stuart Bell Selected As University Of Florida's Next President

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Florida Board of Trustees on Wednesday voted unanimously to hire former University of Alabama President Stuart R. Bell as the institution's next president.

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Bell, who served as president of the University of Alabama from 2015 until 2025, will become UF's 14th president pending ratification by the Florida Board of Governors.

The appointment is expected to be considered at the board's meeting on June 25.

"The Board of Trustees' unanimous vote today is a resounding and undeniable show of support for Dr. Stuart Bell, who is exactly the right leader at the right time for the University of Florida," UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini said in a statement. "Dr. Bell's vast experience, solid character and strong leadership ability will be critical in taking UF to the very highest ranks of U.S. higher education."

Patch previously reported that Bell emerged as the sole finalist in the search process after being announced by the university on May 18.

UF officials said Bell was selected from a pool of hundreds of potential candidates.

"I am extremely honored and humbled by the Board of Trustees vote today, and I'm eager to join the Gator Nation and get to work," Bell said. "The University of Florida is exceptional in every respect, and I know there's no limit to what we can all accomplish together."

Bell is expected to succeed interim President Donald Landry.

Before leading Alabama for a decade, Bell served as provost and professor of engineering at Louisiana State University and as dean of the School of Engineering and professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Kansas.

Bell earned a doctorate in mechanical engineering and a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University.

He is also a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Society of Automotive Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

Rahul Patel, vice chair of the UF Board of Trustees and chair of the Presidential Search Committee, praised Bell's credentials and leadership experience.

"I am grateful to the members of UF's Presidential Search Advisory Committee for selecting Dr. Bell, who is eminently qualified to be UF's 14th president," Patel said. "I look forward to working with Dr. Bell as he guides the University of Florida to the next level."

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