News Summary
Santa Ono has been named the sole finalist for the presidency of the University of Florida. The announcement was made on May 4, with plans for him to assume the role later this summer, pending approval. Ono has a distinguished background in higher education, serving as president at multiple prestigious universities, and his leadership qualities were highlighted by the search committee. He aims to connect with the UF community during his campus visit on May 6 as stakeholders anticipate his transition into this pivotal role.
Gainesville, Florida – Santa Ono has been named the sole finalist for the presidency of the University of Florida (UF). The announcement was made on May 4, with plans for Ono to assume the position later this summer, pending approval by the university’s governing bodies.
Ono has served as president of the University of Michigan for the past three years. In his farewell letter to the university community, he expressed that serving Michigan was a “distinct honor” and acknowledged the strong connection he has developed with both the university and the state of Michigan. The University of Florida’s Presidential Search Committee unanimously recommended him as their top candidate.
Rahul Patel, the chair of the search committee, emphasized Ono’s leadership qualities, academic prowess, and collaborative nature, highlighting their confidence in his ability to lead UF into the future. Kent Fuchs, UF’s interim president, also expressed that Ono would be an ideal choice for the university, commending his effective leadership style and previous accomplishments.
Ono holds a doctorate in experimental medicine from McGill University and has an impressive background with prior faculty roles at prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, and University College London. He previously led the University of Cincinnati from 2012 to 2016 and the University of British Columbia from 2016 to 2022, gaining recognition for his contributions to higher education.
If approved by UF’s Board of Trustees, Ono’s appointment will need further confirmation from Florida’s Board of Governors. The Board of Trustees is currently proposing a compensation package for the next president that could reach up to $3 million, although details regarding Ono’s base salary are yet to be disclosed. A previous report indicated that Ono’s contract with the University of Michigan was projected to approach $3 million annually by 2032, a significant figure in public higher education.
Ono will visit the University of Florida campus in Gainesville on May 6, where he will engage with students, faculty, and administrators. This visit marks an important step in the transition process, as he seeks to understand and connect with the university community.
The presidency at UF has seen recent turmoil, with Ono’s predecessor, Ben Sasse, resigning in July 2024 after a brief 17-month term. Sasse faced considerable backlash for his controversial leadership style, particularly regarding his anti-abortion views and perceived shortcomings in supporting the LGBTQ community. These issues significantly impacted his tenure at the university.
During Ono’s time at the University of Michigan, he encountered his share of challenges, including criticism related to his handling of pro-Palestinian protests and university policies that led to federal litigation concerning the treatment of student protestors. Additionally, the university was engaged in legal battles over allegations of sexual misconduct against former president Robert Anderson while Ono was in office. Despite these issues, the Board of Regents at the University of Michigan recognized Ono’s leadership, noting his accomplishments and vision during his tenure.
As Ono prepares for this new role, stakeholders at the University of Florida are hopeful for a seamless transition and are eager to see how his extensive background and experience will shape the future of the university.
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