June 13, 2025 - 08:52
Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. is poised to significantly increase his earnings as he steps into the role of interim president at the University of West Florida on July 14, pending approval from the Board of Governors. The university's trustees have approved an annual base salary of $643,000 for Diaz, which is double his current compensation as education commissioner.
This new position comes with no performance incentives, focusing instead on the base salary. Alongside this substantial pay increase, Diaz will also receive additional benefits, which are yet to be detailed. His appointment marks a notable shift in leadership at the university, as Diaz transitions from overseeing education policies at the state level to managing the operations of a major educational institution.
The decision to bring Diaz on board reflects the university's commitment to strong leadership during a critical time, as it navigates challenges and opportunities in higher education.
