News Summary

Santa Ono, the President of the University of Michigan, will become the next President of the University of Florida this summer, pending approval. During his tenure at Michigan, he implemented various initiatives and faced challenges surrounding diversity and inclusion. His leadership was noted for academic excellence, and he has a history of serving in presidential roles at other institutions.

Ann Arbor – Santa Ono, the current President of the University of Michigan, is set to leave his position to become the next President of the University of Florida. This significant transition was announced on Sunday, where Ono was revealed as the sole finalist for the presidency at the University of Florida. He is expected to assume his new role later this summer, contingent upon approval from the Florida Board of Governors.

In a message to the University of Michigan community, Ono stated that he did not make this decision lightly. He communicated his choice to leave to Kathy White, the chair of the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents. During his tenure, which has lasted for three years, Ono expressed that it has been a distinct honor to serve the institution. The Board of Regents has acknowledged his contributions and indicated that he will remain in office until an interim president is appointed.

Ono’s leadership and innovative approach were commended by the University of Florida, which described its selection process as “extensive and thorough.” Rahul Patel, chair of the presidential search committee at Florida, praised Ono’s history of academic excellence and collaborative leadership—traits that the committee values highly in their new president.

Ono is not a newcomer to the role of university president. Before joining the University of Michigan, he held presidential positions at the University of British Columbia and the University of Cincinnati. He was sworn in as Michigan’s 15th president in March 2023, with an original five-year contract that began with an annual salary of $975,000. This contract was later extended through 2032, with an increased salary of $1.3 million each year.

During his time at the University of Michigan, Ono launched various initiatives related to sustainability, artificial intelligence, and urban outreach. One notable campaign, the “Look to Michigan” initiative, aimed for an ambitious fundraising goal of $7 billion. Additional accomplishments during his presidency include the establishment of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, which seeks to combat antisemitism, as well as plans for an Institute on Civic Discourse.

However, Ono’s presidency has also faced its share of controversies. The University’s handling of protests regarding the Gaza War led to criticism over responses to antisemitism and Islamophobia allegations. These issues have sparked debates about the leadership’s adequacy in addressing these sensitive matters, intensifying when vandalism occurred at Ono’s home and the homes of several other university officials.

The university’s office dedicated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was announced for closure in March, following political pressure linked to the directives of the previous Trump administration. Critics claimed that the university capitulated to external pressures, impacting its approach to diversity initiatives.

In a move to enhance affordability, the University of Michigan has expanded its Go Blue Guarantee program, which provides free tuition for in-state students from families earning $125,000 or less. This adjustment reflects a strategic shift in funding priorities within the institution.

Ono took over Michigan’s presidency following the dismissal of his predecessor, Mark Schlissel, who was removed due to an investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a university employee. As part of the transition to Florida, Santa Ono will visit the University of Florida on Tuesday to engage with students, faculty, and administrators during public forums.