Presidential Search

After online debates, delays and Bell's appointment as interim president, UF has a full-time leader again.

The meeting devolved into an argument between BOG Chairman Alan Levine and the University of Florida’s Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini over the allegations of “governance issues” that led to the postponement of Dr. Stuart Bell’s confirmation as UF’s 14th president.

A letter sent Friday on behalf of Uthmeier stated the university's board is "not out of compliance," and the Board of Governors chairman is "incorrect to withhold consideration of the Trustees' nomination on that basis."

Stuart Bell, former president at the University of Alabama for 10 years, participated in three forums throughout the afternoon on campus in Gainesville

Bell, who stepped down in Tuscaoloosa last summer, must still be approved by UF trustees, who next meet June 11, and the State University System Board of Governors.

The Polk State College Presidential Search Committee has recommended a single finalist in its search for the college’s sixth president — Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas, Florida’s current commissioner of education.

James Annarelli has served the college community for 36 years in various roles. He'll retire on June 30, 2027, according to a release.

The former state education commissioner has been UWF's interim president since July 2025. He then emerged as the sole finalist for president.

Moez Limayem is currently the president at the University of North Florida. Before that, he served as dean of the USF Muma College of Business for a decade.

Donald Landry, whose term is set to begin Sept. 1, must be confirmed by the state university system’s Board of Governors next month.

A new interim president will be named before Fuchs steps down, UF spokesperson Steve Orlando said.

USF launched its presidential search for its ninth president after Rhea Law announced in February that she would step down. Law was selected in 2022 through a search led by SP&A.