University of Alabama President Stuart Bell has been named the sole finalist to lead the state’s flagship university.

Bell has served as President of the University of Alabama for the past decade, during which time the university saw rising enrollment, improved graduation and retention rates, expanded campus facilities and achieved R1 research status, per a UF news release.

Bell also served as President of the Southeastern Conference from 2023 through 2025 and sat on the SEC Executive Committee from 2021 to 2025, where he worked with conference officials, NCAA leadership and federal lawmakers on issues involving college athletics.

Before arriving at Alabama, Bell served as Provost and professor of engineering at Louisiana State University and previously was Dean of Engineering at the University of Kansas.

Bell holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering and a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University. His research background includes work on natural gas and combustion engines, and he was inducted into the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame in 2023.

“After a robust and widespread search, our committee has unanimously concluded that Dr. Bell is the best choice to lead the University of Florida. Dr. Bell possesses the qualities that make him a perfect fit for the University of Florida, including strong academic credential and a proven track record of athletic success,” said Rahul Patel, Chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee.

“With his experience at the helm of a flagship university, fundraising abilities, and deep relationships across higher education, within the Southeastern Conference, and beyond, we are confident Dr. Bell will transition seamlessly into this new role and build on UF’s reputation as one of the nation’s leading public universities. We believe Dr. Bell is uniquely positioned to help UF continue its trajectory toward becoming consistently recognized among the top three public universities in America.”

UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini added, “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. I fully support the committee’s unanimous recommendation, and I have full confidence in Dr. Bell to build on UF’s record of success and help lead UF into its next era of national prominence.”

Former Alabama Football Coach Nick Saban also praised Bell’s leadership and support for athletics during his tenure in Tuscaloosa, calling him an “outstanding person” and a “great leader.”

In a statement released by UF, Bell said he intends to keep the university focused on “truth, knowledge, and excellence” while resisting “ideologies and fads that have no place in the classroom.”

The recommendation now heads to the University of Florida Board of Trustees for approval and must also be confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors before Bell can formally assume the presidency.

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