University of West Florida is a public university institution in Pensacola, established in 1963. University of West Florida is a public research institution in Pensacola, Florida, founded in 1963 and part of the State University System of Florida. With over 15,600 students and 110+ degree programs across five colleges, UWF emphasizes small class sizes, personalized attention, and high-impact learning on its expansive 1,600-acre campus.