Pensacola Sees Conservative Shift in UWF Leadership

In a move that’s stirring plenty of chatter around town, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis has once again made some bold changes to the board of trustees at the University of West Florida (UWF). This latest round of appointments is being compared to the governor’s controversial shake-up at the New College of Florida earlier this year, where he removed the previous board and replaced them with conservative figures. Education watchers are saying it’s part of a broader strategy to shift the balance of higher education in Florida towards a more conservative ideology.

The Board’s New Faces

Among the latest appointees is Scott Yenor, a political science professor from Boise State University, who has some pretty divisive views—he openly calls himself an anti-feminist. Yenor has been quoted saying that career-oriented women are often “medicated, meddlesome and quarrelsome,” and he’s also labeled universities as “citadels of gynecocracy.” This is particularly eyebrow-raising considering that around 60% of UWF’s 14,300 students are female. Many are left wondering how his views will impact the campus culture and educational environment.

Then there’s Adam Kissel, who previously served in the Trump administration’s education department. His social media presence has also raised some eyebrows—he recently shared a message from a Proud Boy founder, recently pardoned by the new president, which has left some questioning his judgment and objectives.

The Broader Implication

The consensus among critics is that DeSantis’s strategy is aimed at overhauling public universities by fostering a more conservative educational environment across the board. This includes not only UWF but also New College, which has seen a similar conservative takeover. Analysts are calling Florida a testing ground for a national campaign aimed at remaking higher education, which many view as dominated by liberal ideologies.

“DeSantis is riding this wave of being associated with Trump, and he seems committed to aggressively pushing this conservative agenda,” said a local educator, expressing concerns that this could spell dire consequences for the rich liberal arts tradition at schools like UWF. She added, “What’s happening at New College is a scary glimpse into the future for UWF if this trend continues.”

Legislative Support

Backing DeSantis’s moves is a Republican-controlled legislature that’s been more than willing to support changes targeting “wokeism” on campuses. Laws have even been passed to restrict diversity and inclusion programs, create hurdles for tenured professors, and limit classes that cover race and gender issues. Rather than fostering an inclusive environment, these changes often appear to promote a single narrative—one that aligns closely with DeSantis’s political beliefs.

Criticism and Concerns

Critics are particularly concerned about the lack of relevant experience among the new appointees, especially Yenor, whose views on women’s roles have sparked significant outrage. Following his appointment, local congresswoman remarked, “How dare DeSantis appoint a guy who thinks women only belong in the kitchen or birthing babies? We’re in 2025, not 1825.” This sentiment reflects a broader fear that the educational landscape in Florida might not only become increasingly conservative but also dangerously regressive.

As discussions continue about what these changes mean for UWF’s future, many students and faculty members are left wondering whether their voices will be represented in a system that appears to be reshaping itself to align with a more right-leaning ideology. Jono Miller, a former lecturer at New College, emphasized that the university boards should ideally reflect local talent and perspectives. “We should be cultivating our own leadership, not bringing in outsiders with agendas that don’t resonate with Floridians,” he said.

Looking Ahead

While the recently appointed trustees are expected to secure confirmation from the state senate, the road ahead for UWF and Florida’s educational system continues to looks rocky. It’s clear that the landscape of higher education in the Sunshine State is undergoing a significant transformation, one that could have lasting effects. Whether these changes will benefit students remains to be seen, but many are alarmed and ready to make their voices heard.