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Martha Saunders has announced her resignation from her post as president of the University of West Florida.
Saunders has served as president since January 2017.
In a letter she sent out Monday morning to UWF students, faculty and staff, Saunders announced her resignation:
“When I returned to the University of West Florida as president, it felt like coming home. This University gave me my start as an academic, and serving as its leader has been one of the great honors of my life.
“In accordance with the terms of my contract, and after thoughtful reflection, I have made the decision to conclude my presidency. This was not an easy choice. I know it may come as a surprise, and for some, a disappointment. Please know I did not make it lightly. I believe this is the right time — for me and for UWF.”
Her resignation follows months of attacks by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who appointed four controversial picks to the University of Board of Trustees and warned of the bumpy road ahead for the university.
Two of his appointees resigned – Scott Yenor and Gates Garcia – and a third, Adam Kissel, was not confirmed by the Senate. Just a few days later, DeSantis appointed Zack Smith as a trustee, who wasted no time going on the attack in his first UWF Board of Trustees meeting.
A trustees special meeting turned contentious on May 8 when Smith hijacked the meeting to unload his concerns about past actions taken by UWF dating back to 2019.
During the Zoom meeting, Smith grilled Saunders about issues he had identified when combing through UWF’s social media.
Specifically, he was pointing to two drag shows co-sponsored by the university, the first of which was held in 2019.
Smith also had at least two other “actions,” he said highlighted problems he has seen at the university.
He asked Saunders about UWF libraries “unfortunately” promoting Ibram K. Kendi’s book, “How To Be An Antiracist,” in February 2023. Smith said the book puts forth the idea that the only way to remedy past discrimination is to engage in present discrimination.
Smith’s attack followed that of DeSantis who has repeatedly said he needs to save “woke” universities.
Smith is a senior legal fellow and manager of the Supreme Court and Appellate Advocacy Program at The Heritage Foundation. He is a resident of Pensacola and has served as an adjunct professor at UWF. He has written on the harms caused by diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in certain educational settings.”
Kissel is also a visiting fellow on higher education reform for The Heritage Foundation. Despite not being confirmed by the Senate, he will serve as a trustee for 45 more days.
Community leaders pushed back hard, throwing their support behind Saunders and pointing to her legacy at the helm of UWF. City of Pensacola, Escambia County and Chamber officials wrote to the governor to support Saunders and her work at UWF.
Former UWF President Judy Bense, Saunders’ immediate predecessor at the university, was shaken by the announcement but said the Save UWF efforts will continue.
A grassroots organization, Save UWF is made up of concerned citizens, former students and former UWF Board of Trustees members, who are worried about the recent spate of appointments to the university’s governing board.
“We will continue our efforts to save UWF from this hostile political takeover, and we all regret that President Saunders found it unbearable,” said Bense, who has known Saunders for over 40 years.
“When I needed a provost, I noticed that Martha had retired. I asked her if she would help us at UWF and she certainly did. We really both had the same vision for UWF – grow the university enrollment, expanded academic programs such as engineering, cybersecurity and of course, football.”
Bense added Saunders personally figured out how the university could rise in the performance metrics from “worst to first.”
“And she has kept the university there in strong contention. This community loves Martha, respects Martha and will continue to carry on our efforts to resist this takeover. It’s not right,” said Bense, who was UWF president for nine years. “It makes me sad this whole situation.”
In her resignation letter, Saunders pointed to the many accomplishments of her administration.
“Over the past several years, we’ve accomplished extraordinary things together: record enrollments, historic fundraising, national recognition, and a campus culture that puts students first. We’ve met challenges head-on and kept our values intact. I could not be more proud of what we’ve built.
“I will work closely with the Board of Trustees and the campus leadership to ensure a smooth transition. My commitment to this University and its people remains strong through my final day in office — and beyond.
“Thank you for your trust, your passion, and your belief in what UWF can be.”
(This story was updated to include additional information.)