UNF board selects Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti as interim president

UNF’s upcoming interim president serve as president at Polk State College since 2017. The board said she will not seek the permanent president position.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The University of North Florida Board of Trustees has selected a temporary new leader.

At a meeting on Thursday, the board voted to bring in Angela Garcia Falconetti, a Jacksonville native and two-time UNF alumna, as interim president. Falconetti will officially begin work as the interim president on Feb. 16 after serving as Polk State College’s president since 2017.

She is stepping in for outgoing President Moez Limayem, who accepted a position as President of the University of South Florida after three years at UNF.

In recent years, the school has seen growth in enrollment and program offerings. The school hopes to continue the progress made under Limayem’s leadership.

“The University of North Florida is on an upward trajectory, and Angela Garcia Falconetti will continue building on that momentum during the transition process,” said BOT Chair Steve Moore. “As a UNF graduate who grew up in Jacksonville, Angela knows the University, has strong ties to business and civic leaders and will ensure continued focus on ensuring student success, investing in research and innovation, accelerating the success of faculty and staff and expanding and strengthening community partnerships.”

The new interim president graduated from New York University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Education before receiving a master’s and a doctorate in Educational Leadership at UNF. She was also previously employed by the school’s Office of Student Affairs.

“It is truly an honor to return home to the University of North Florida to serve as Interim President,” Falconetti said. “As a proud double alumna of this remarkable institution, UNF has shaped my life in profound ways that tie me directly to our mission. I am grateful to the Board of Trustees and look forward to the work ahead alongside our students, faculty and staff.”

The school says that Falconetti does not plan to pursue the permanent president position. A national search will be conducted for Limayem’s successor.