Following a competitive national search, John Buckwalter has been appointed UCF’s next provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. He and his wife, Amalia, will officially join Knight Nation on Aug. 1.

Buckwalter is a proven leader with more than 20 years of experience in academia and a deep passion for student success and faculty support. Most recently serving as provost at Boise State University, he led transformative interdisciplinary initiatives and championed student achievement.

“Dr. Buckwalter brings a results-driven mindset and a deep understanding of the mission of a public research university,” UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright says. “His leadership reflects a clear focus on student success, faculty performance and excellence, and strengthening collaborative efforts that support workforce growth and economic development. I am confident he will be a strong partner in advancing UCF’s role as Florida’s Premier Engineering and Technology University and growing our university as an engine of opportunity and talent for the state of Florida.”

“I am honored to join UCF at such an exciting time in the university’s trajectory,” Buckwalter said. “The university’s momentum, commitment to excellence, and clear, strategic mission are inspiring and energizing. I look forward to working alongside the Board of Trustees, President Cartwright, faculty, employees and students to advance academic quality; support workforce and research needs; and deliver meaningful impact for our students, community, and state.”

“I am honored to join UCF at such an exciting time in the university’s trajectory.” — John Buckwalter

Prior to Boise State, Buckwalter served as dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences at Kansas State University, where he expanded graduate programs, grew the college’s endowment by more than 40%, secured new research space and established an innovative, career-focused mentoring program for students. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at the University of Texas at Arlington, including associate dean for research and chair of the Department of Kinesiology.

Buckwalter holds a doctoral degree and master’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise physiology from the University of Arkansas. He earned two bachelor’s degrees — one in Spanish and one in and health and physical education — from Centenary College. His research has focused on the neural and cardiovascular regulation of blood flow during exercise, and he is a fellow of both the American Physiological Society and the American College of Sports Medicine.

Buckwalter’s appointment follows a national search, led by a committee of students, faculty and employees, that brought forward an outstanding group of candidates who participated in on-campus visits with various stakeholder groups.

“On behalf of the search committee, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Buckwalter to UCF,” says Winston Schoenfeld, vice president of research and co-chair of the search committee. “His distinguished record of academic leadership brings invaluable experience to UCF that will help us reach our strategic goals, and I look forward to working closely with him to advance UCF’s research enterprise and elevate our impact across our region, our state and beyond.”

“I’m truly excited to welcome our new provost, Dr. Buckwalter,” says Carolina Cruz-Neira, Agere Chair Professor in Computer Science and co-chair of the search committee. “His leadership brings fresh momentum to our shared commitment to advancing faculty excellence and fostering a thriving environment for research and innovation. I look forward to collaborating with him to broaden UCF’s impact in our region, nation and the world.”

Outgoing Provost Michael D. Johnson retires this summer following 35 years of service to UCF, first as a faculty member in the College of Sciences, then as the college’s dean before moving into the role of provost. Under his leadership, UCF has grown into a world-class academic institution, recognized for top-ranked programs, renowned faculty and exceptional students.

“Over three decades of service — including during pivotal moments in our university’s growth — Provost Johnson has helped shape the excellence and ambition that define us today,” Cartwright says. “Please join me in warmly thanking him as we welcome Dr. Buckwalter to continue UCF’s trajectory of excellence and impact.”