Education Secretary Linda McMahon (right) took the highly unusual step of weighing in on Bell’s selection as sole finalist.
Photo illustration by Justin Morrison/Inside Higher Ed | Brandon Bell/Getty Images | Michael Warren/iStock/Getty Images | Celal Gunes/Anadolu/Getty Images
Controversy is once again swirling over the University of Florida’s presidential pick.
When UF announced former University of Alabama president Stuart R. Bell as the sole finalist for its presidency last week, it bucked the prevailing trend in the Sunshine State, where other public institutions have prioritized hiring former Republican lawmakers over seasoned academics.
In the hiring announcement, UF touted various accomplishments from Bell’s 10-year run at Alabama, which ended in 2025. Under his leadership, Alabama saw its rankings and retention rates increase, won multiple college football championships, and achieved R-1 status.
