Editor's note:"The Leadership Ledger" (The Leadership Ledger) monthly roundup of notable leadership changes at U.S. colleges and universities.

For many institutions, July is when long-planned leadership transitions take effect. But this year, several colleges also entered the new academic year amid turmoil.

Clemson University had to quickly adjust its plans after its announced president-designate suddenly changed his mind. The University of Florida finally formally appointed its preferred candidate after a standoff with state system officials. And the College of the Florida Keys faces allegations of violating open meetings law after abruptly firing its president—with critics questioning the speed and lack of transparency of the decision.

Below is a roundup of some of the most significant leadership changes at colleges and universities over the past month.

Stuart Bell named president of the University of Florida

President:Stuart Bell
Institution:University of Florida
Start/End:Start

On July 1, Stuart Bell officially became president of the University of Florida. His appointment process was fraught with twists and uncertainty, feeling familiar to many.

In May, the University of Florida's presidential search committee recommended Bell—former president of the University of Alabama—as the sole finalist for the position. The State University System Board of Governors had scheduled a vote on his appointment for June.

However, board chair Alan Levine postponed the confirmation vote at the last minute, citing the university's board of trustees for not following system governance rules. The trustees denied the allegations and appointed Bell as interim president on June 22 to bypass the obstacle.

Throughout the process, Bell also faced conservative opposition over his work promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Alabama. Last year, the system board of governors rejected the nomination of former University of Michigan president Santa Ono for the University of Florida presidency, with similar coordinated pressure emerging at that time.

Ultimately, the system board held Bell's confirmation vote a week later than originally scheduled, and Bell then officially assumed the presidency of the University of Florida. He is the university's first permanent president in nearly two years.

Jeremiah Shinn named president of the University of Montana

President:Jeremiah Shinn
Institution:University of Montana
Start/End:Start

On July 1, Jeremiah Shinn officially became the 20th president of the University of Montana. The board of regents appointed Shinn—then interim president of Boise State University—as the next president in April, following a "quick and comprehensive" search process.

Shinn succeeds Seth Bodnar, who abruptly resigned as president in January amid speculation he might run for U.S. Senate. Two months later, Bodnar formally announced his candidacy.

During the roughly five months between Bodnar's departure and Shinn's arrival, the University of Montana had no permanent president. Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian said in January to Montana Public Radio that there was no need for an interim president and that he would assist in managing campus affairs during that period.

David Hahn named president of Boise State University

President:David Hahn
Institution:Boise State University
Start/End:Start

On July 1, the Idaho State Board of Education unanimously confirmed David Hahn as the next president of Boise State University. A month earlier, Hahn was selected as the sole finalist for the position.

Hahn previously served as dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona. He assumed the role immediately after the board vote, despite not yet having relocated to Idaho. The board stated that, per his contract, he must begin working on campus by August 10.

Boise State's previous permanent president, Marlene Tromp, left in May 2025 to become president of the University of Vermont.

Benjamin Ayers named president of Clemson University

President:Benjamin Ayers
Institution:Clemson University
Start/End:Start

On July 9, the Clemson University Board of Trustees appointed Benjamin Ayers as the university's next president. This came days after Kevin Guskiewicz surprised many by announcing he would remain president of Michigan State University rather than move to Clemson as originally planned.

In May, Clemson had selected Guskiewicz as its next permanent president, though no start date had been set. On July 6, Guskiewicz decided to stay at Michigan State, telling the campus community he had "productive conversations" with the board of trustees regarding concerns he raised in his initial resignation letter.

Ayers, previously provost at the University of Georgia, officially became president of Clemson University on August 1.

Clemson Board of Trustees Chair Kim Wilkerson said Ayers was an "outstanding" candidate during the initial search, but before the board made its final decision, he "withdrew from consideration to fully commit to his work at the University of Georgia." In a July 9 letter to the South Carolina campus, Wilkerson said: "When circumstances changed and conversations reopened, the board quickly confirmed what had become clear during the search: Dr. Ayers' experience and vision make him the unanimous choice to be Clemson's next president."

Jon Anderson to lead Utah Valley University

President:Jon Anderson
Institution:Utah Valley University
Start/End:Start

According to a July 17 announcement, Jon Anderson will become the next president of Utah Valley University. He previously served as president of Pennsylvania Western University, a role he held since 2024.

Anderson will officially assume the role on August 10.

The university's previous permanent president, Astrid Tuminez, retired in May. Her departure came after a turbulent and violent year at Utah Valley University—following the killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on campus last September. Since then, the university's provost, Wayne Vaught, has served as interim president.

College of the Florida Keys abruptly fires president

President:Jonathan Gueverra
Institution:College of the Florida Keys
Start/End:End

On July 20, the College of the Florida Keys Board of Trustees held a special meeting and abruptly fired President Jonathan Gueverra. The meeting agenda listed only two items, one of which was "President's Contract," with no indication that the board would vote on Gueverra's continued employment, and the meeting minutes did not state a reason for the termination.

According to the Keys Weekly, the meeting was called with only 72 hours' notice, and board documents show Gueverra was not present.

Gueverra's attorney, Wayne LaRue Smith, objected at the meeting to the lack of notice and information given to the dismissed president. Smith also alleged the board's actions violated Florida's open meetings law and said Gueverra intends to seek a formal hearing with the state administrative agency to challenge the termination. These details are according to the meeting minutes.

The board has appointed the college's chief financial officer, Brittany Snyder, as interim president.

Other leadership changes and announcements

There were other leadership changes at colleges and universities last month, which are not detailed here.