Florida Gators
· 2026-07-02
The Florida Gators have a new president, Dr. Stuart R. Bell, approved by the Florida Board of Governors on July 1.
Dr. Stuart Bell was president at Alabama from 2015-2025, overseeing three national titles and six SEC championships under coach Nick Saban.
He served on the SEC's executive committee from 2021-25 and as SEC president from 2023-25.
Bell's experience will impact Florida Gators athletics, with athletic director Scott Stricklin having led the school to 13 national titles in 10 years.
Stricklin signed a contract extension through 2030 last summer.
The Florida Gators' next game is against the Florida Atlantic Owls on September 5, 2026.
Bell intends to be involved with Florida athletics, discussing the restoration of the "Gator Bait" band cheer.
He made clear his support for athletic programs in an interview with 1010 XL in Jacksonville.
The "Gator Bait" cheer was discontinued by former UF president Kent Fuchs in 2020 due to "racist imagery associated with the phrase."
Bell said "traditions matter" and hopes to have "great conversations" around the cheer.
He will inherit a $1.45 billion renovation plan for The Swamp, with a target completion date before the 2030 season.
Bell's leadership experience and passion for athletics will be valuable assets to the Florida Gators.
He has a strong endorsement from Nick Saban, who called him "an outstanding person and a great leader.