Florida Board of Governors appoints two new UWF trustees

The Florida Board of Governors has appointed Janice Gilley and Kishane J. Patel to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees. Their five-year terms will begin on Jan. 7, 2026, and are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

"The University of West Florida continues to benefit from strong, experienced leadership, and I'm confident that Janice Gilley and Kishane Patel will make valuable contributions to the Board," said UWF Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. "Their deep ties to Pensacola, combined with their proven records of service, will help guide UWF's continued growth and success in the years ahead."

Gilley is the administrative services director for Santa Rosa County. Throughout her career, she served as the Florida Senator and Appropriations Chair, Doug Bronson's chief legislative assistant, Escambia County administrator, deputy Chief of Staff in the Florida House of Representatives and budget and policy director to former Governor Jeb Bush. She also spent 12 years at UWF, serving under four different presidents - most recently, assistant vice president of external affairs and government relations for president emeritus Martha D. Saunders. Gilley earned her bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi and master's degree in public administration from the University of Florida.

Patel is the founder of KJP Counsel, PLLC, a boutique law firm serving clients in the hospitality, construction and franchise industries. A third-generation hotelier and seasoned attorney, he also serves as in-house counsel to NashBuilt, Inc., one of Florida's fastest-growing hospitality construction companies. Patel has a track record of championing initiatives for students, including having served on the Florida Board of Governors, the AMIkids Board of Trustees and INERTIA Education. He previously served on the UWF Board of Trustees during his time as UWF Student Government Association president. Patel earned his bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in criminal justice from the University of West Florida and his juris doctorate from Barry University.

The UWF Board of Trustees is the 13-member governing body for the institution. The Governor of Florida appoints six of the members, who serve five-year terms, and the Board of Governors appoints five of the members, who also serve five-year terms, with the president of the Faculty Senate and the president of the Student Government Association filling the remaining two seats. All appointments must be approved by the Senate.

For more information on UWF's Board of Trustees, visit uwf.edu/trustees.