The University of Florida has officially named Dr. Santa J. Ono, the current president of the University of Michigan, as the sole finalist for its next president. This announcement comes from the University of Florida Presidential Search Committee, which recommended Ono unanimously on May 4, 2025. As the 14th president of UF, Ono is set to fill the position previously held by Ben Sasse, who resigned in July 2024 after a brief tenure.
Ono, who has served as Michigan's president since October 2022, is expected to visit the Gainesville campus on May 6, 2025, for a series of public forums with students, faculty, and administrators. His selection was celebrated by the UF community, with the search committee chair, Rahul Patel, stating, "Dr. Ono’s proven record of academic excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership at world-class institutions made him our unanimous choice. We are confident he is the right person to build on UF’s strong foundation and help realize our bold vision for the future."
In a prepared statement, Ono expressed his excitement about the opportunity, saying, "Few moments in higher education are as exciting as this one at the University of Florida. No other public university combines UF’s momentum, its role as the flagship of one of the nation’s most important states, the extraordinary support from state leaders, and a shared vision across its entire community. These strengths make UF uniquely positioned not only to lead public higher education but to stand among the most impactful institutions — public or private — in the world. I am honored and energized to be considered for this historic opportunity."
Ono's academic credentials are impressive. He earned his Ph.D. in experimental medicine from McGill University and holds a B.A. in biological sciences from the University of Chicago. His career includes notable positions at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and the University of British Columbia, where he served as president and vice chancellor. His leadership at the University of Cincinnati and Emory University further solidifies his extensive background in higher education.
While at Michigan, Ono's tenure was marked by some controversy, particularly regarding the university's handling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs and protests on campus. His decision to leave Michigan comes less than seven months after he received an eight-year contract extension, which would have paid him close to $3 million per year by 2032. Ono's departure could make him the U-M president with the shortest tenure, excluding interim leaders.
As he prepares to transition to UF, Ono's leadership style and collaborative approach have been praised by many, including interim UF president Kent Fuchs, who remarked, "If I could select a dream candidate for the University’s next president, it would be Santa Ono. His demonstrated record of success at the best universities, his leadership style, and caring personality have allowed him to work effectively with faculty, students, alumni, staff, and other stakeholders everywhere he has been."
Ono's selection follows a tumultuous period for UF, particularly under Sasse, who faced backlash for his handling of protests and his controversial political background. During Sasse's short time at UF, he dealt with significant challenges, including student protests regarding various social issues. This history adds a layer of complexity to Ono's upcoming role, as he will need to navigate the university's political landscape while fostering an inclusive environment.
As part of the process, the UF Board of Trustees will review Ono's candidacy, and if approved, his appointment must also be confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors. The UF community is eager to see how Ono's leadership will shape the university's future, especially as it aims to become one of the most influential institutions of higher education in the country.
In light of these developments, Ono's visit to Gainesville will be crucial. He is expected to engage with various stakeholders, gathering insights and feedback that will inform his approach as he steps into this significant role. The UF board has already approved a compensation package for the next president of up to $3 million, reflecting the high expectations for Ono's leadership.
Overall, the selection of Dr. Santa J. Ono as the sole finalist for the presidency at the University of Florida marks a pivotal moment for both the institution and Ono himself. As he prepares to embark on this new chapter, the higher education community will be watching closely to see how he addresses the challenges ahead and builds on the university's legacy.
