President Saunders' Viewpoints, Op-Eds and Podcast Interviews
Dr. Martha D. Saunders shares her insights as University President through viewpoints, op-eds and podcast interviews.
Will Rogers once said, “One must wait until the evening to see how splendid the day has been.” As I write this viewpoint in the waning days of 2023, I’m filled with overwhelming gratitude for a splendid year, and the support of a great community.
The University of West Florida proves that the fusion of arts and sciences enhances education and prepares students for a collaborative, creative future. Read my latest viewpoint in the Pensacola News Journal on how UWF is breaking barriers by implementing STEAM projects on campus and in the classroom.
UWF's contributions go beyond classrooms — they encompass the preservation of history and service. October is American Archives Month, and we celebrate our strong ties to Pensacola and its rich heritage through the UWF Archives and Historic Pensacola. Read more about our archives and innovative projects that showcase history's relevance in our community in my latest viewpoint in the Pensacola News Journal.
UWF achieved a historic enrollment record this year with more than 14,000 students joining us this fall — our highest enrollment in 56 years. Read my latest viewpoint in the Pensacola News Journal on how UWF is shaping a diverse campus, focusing on student success and adding in-demand programs.
From its 30 properties serving residents, its public radio, its many school camps - and most importantly through its people - UWF is a vital partner.
College is a big investment of time and money and should not be undertaken lightly. And with a robust job market, why go to the bother? I can think of a few reasons.
With a new comprehensive master plan awaiting implementation, walkability is a front-and-center issue at UWF. I walk the Pensacola campus almost every day and find it gives me a greater appreciation for campus activity, traffic flow and the general mood of our students.
College is a great place to fall in love, and a lot of people do. Many meet their life partners on campus. Some researchers believe that people who meet in college make the absolute best married couples.
As we wrap up the last few days of 2022, I'm reminded of the days and months spent fulfilling our mission as a leading institution of higher learning. The University of West Florida continues to reach for the stars. We had record enrollment, record gifts, national recognitions and so much more. Read about all the recognitions and rewards that rolled in for #UWF in 2022 in my recent viewpoint in the Pensacola News Journal.
How do we ensure a climate of civility and inclusion on a university campus at a time when we seem to be so far apart as a nation? The subject means enough to us at UWF that we added it as a direction on our newly approved strategic plan.
Hometown universities bring many great things to a community, and the University of West Florida is no exception. You might be surprised to learn UWF’s contributions go far beyond educating students.
In 2017, UWF received a gift that perfectly reflects the hearts of two wonderful individuals – and the heart of the University of West Florida. Until now, the American Dream Scholarship Endowment donor has remained anonymous. Here is the rest of the story.