University of West Florida

Joe Ambersley has contributed highly to the UWF Athletic Program in a variety of influential ways. In the department’s first year back in 1980, Ambersley took over as Athletic Director where he served until 1984. He also helped coach the UWF men’s basketball team and by 2009, he became the co-chair of the UWF Athletics Visioning Team. Ambersley gave the first endowed scholarship for men’s basketball, which later grew to the largest gift in athletics history - $100,000. The scholarship is for men’s basketball student-athletes created by the Ambersley Family Foundation. Ambersley has also encouraged men’s basketball supporters in the past to donate $50,000 when the new head coach, Bob Stinnett was hired in 2009. Ambersley has provided a strong support system and example for supporting university athletic programs. “I believe in UWF athletics and am excited about the future of the program,” said Ambersley. “My family and I wanted to make a lasting impact at UWF. The endowment will help Argonaut student-athletes for years and will continue to advance the men’s basketball team.”