Stuart Bell

The university's Board of Trustees criticized a push to postpone Stuart Bell’s confirmation, saying it caused “collateral damage” that was “frustrating” and “disappointing.”

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."

Board chair Alan Levine wrote a letter saying Stuart Bell would not be confirmed until “governance issues” at the University of Florida are reviewed.

The unanimous vote is the latest step in a process that still needs approval by the State University System Board of Governors, which rejected the school's previous choice in 2025.