Former University of Alabama President Moves Closer to University of Florida Presidency

The University of Florida Presidential Search Advisory Committee has unanimously recommended Dr. Stuart R. Bell as the sole finalist to become the university’s 14th president. The recommendation now goes to the UF Board of Trustees and is subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.

Bell most recently served as president of the University of Alabama, where he led the university for 10 years. During his tenure, Alabama increased enrollment, improved graduation and retention rates, expanded and modernized campus facilities, strengthened academic standards, and achieved R1 research status.

Bell also has ties to the Southeastern Conference, serving as SEC president from 2023 to 2025 and as a member of the conference’s Executive Committee from 2021 to 2025. In those roles, he worked with SEC schools, the conference commissioner, federal lawmakers, and the NCAA on issues affecting college athletics.

Before leading the University of Alabama, Bell served as provost and professor of engineering at Louisiana State University. He also served as dean of the School of Engineering and professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Kansas. Bell earned a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University.

Rahul Patel, chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, said Bell’s experience leading a flagship university, fundraising background and relationships in higher education made him the committee’s choice.

“After a robust and widespread search, our committee has unanimously concluded that Dr. Bell is the best choice to lead the University of Florida,” Patel said.

UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini said he supports the recommendation and believes Bell can help the university continue its push for greater national prominence.

“The Search Committee has put forth a candidate whose academic achievements and experience at a flagship state university makes him the obvious choice to lead UF going forward,” Hosseini said.

Bell would succeed Interim President Dr. Donald Landry, who served during the 2025-26 academic year while on leave from Columbia University. Hosseini thanked Landry for his service and said he will return to Columbia as a tenured professor of medicine and chair emeritus of the Department of Medicine.

Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban also praised Bell’s leadership, calling him “a good friend and passionate supporter of athletics” who made a significant impact on the University of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa community.

Bell said he was grateful for the opportunity to be considered for the UF presidency.

“The University of Florida is a special place, and I look forward to the opportunity to lead this top-tier university and help firmly establish UF among the nation’s top 3 public universities,” Bell said.

Under Florida law, the Presidential Search Advisory Committee was responsible for developing search criteria, vetting candidates and recommending finalists to the Board of Trustees. The final appointment requires approval from the UF Board of Trustees and confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.