Inauguration of UF President Stuart R. Bell

University of Florida students, faculty and staff will gather to celebrate the inauguration of President Stuart R. Bell on Wednesday Nov. 18 at 2:30 p.m. — the first to be held at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Cultural Plaza. 

The inauguration of Bell as UF’s 14th president will feature live music, original videos and special presentations by university dignitaries as well as longtime friends of the Bell family. 

A free street fair-like celebration with Texas-style barbecue fare, live performances, and interactive showcases created by UF’s 16 colleges and major units will follow in the Cultural Plaza at 4 p.m. The celebration is open to everyone at UF. 

“President Bell has already brought incredible energy and a fresh sense of ambition to UF, and we’re excited to join him in building our bold future,” UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini said. “We can’t wait to welcome and inaugurate him with a ceremony in the Phillips Center — and a joyful celebration of all things UF in the Cultural Plaza.” 

The ceremony, the 10th in UF’s 120-year history in Gainesville, will include remarks by UF and visiting dignitaries, videos with seldom-seen historical footage and performances by faculty and student artists in the UF School of Music. 

The Cultural Plaza celebration will feature a "Gator Showcase" of hands-on, interactive exhibits. 

Guests will get to design book covers with the University Press of Florida, explore digital twins through VR headsets with the College of Design, Construction and Planning, share their UF stories in a Story Booth from the College of Journalism and Communications, and much more.  

Two stages will host a DJ and Danza Dance Company, Accent A Cappella and other student performances. Guests can craft their own plushie at the Stuff-a-Gator station and get a sneak peek at the newly revitalized Florida Museum of Natural History, set to open the following week, as well as the Harn Museum's newly opened gallery. 

Parking information for the ceremony and celebration, including locations and any anticipated impacts, will be shared closer to the event. For more information, including FAQs, visit the inauguration website here.