Universities

University of South Florida stayed in the top 50 among public universities nationally but dropped three spots from No. 43 to No. 46.

More than 250 state university instructors responded, with some afraid of "emboldened" students in a culture derived from government leaders looking to punish them for what they do and say.

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.

On "Florida Matters: Live and Local," we discuss the governor and foreign hires at state universities, a water ride returns, Halloween smoke and mirrors, and a scientific twist on human anatomy.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was gunned down Wednesday during a debate with college students on the Utah Valley University college campus.

Florida's former education commissioner emphasizes listening, continuity and workforce goals as he takes over the leadership at the University of West Florida.

The Republican senator's bill was announced the same day the Trump administration axed $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University. The Ivy League school in New York City was at the forefront of U.S. campus protests over the war last spring.

The bill would also establish term limits for members of the State University Board of Governors, the Board of Education, state university boards of trustees and Florida College System boards of trustees.

The legislation would extend concealed carry rights onto the campuses of state colleges and universities. Guns would be allowed throughout campus, including dorms.

Overall prices are fairly steady, as tuition for state universities has not gone up in over a decade. Florida Prepaid spokesperson Shannon Smith said paying for college in advance allows kids to start adulthood without debt.

The board elected leadership that cements a conservative majority, raising questions about the influence of Gov. Ron DeSantis' higher education agenda and the board's ties to the local community.

Search consultants hired by Florida Atlantic University thought they'd have the summer to recruit a pool of promising, qualified candidates to be the school's next leader. Instead, the application window will close on May 16 — just three weeks after it opened.