Michigan President Santa Ono

Michigan President Santa Ono: Sole Finalist for University of Florida Presidency

The University of Florida has announced that Michigan President Santa Ono has been unanimously recommended as the sole finalist for the position of the university’s 14th president. This recommendation follows a thorough search process and is subject to approval by the Florida Board of Governors, as required by state law.

Santa Ono, currently serving as the 15th president of the University of Michigan, brings a distinguished record of leadership in academia and public health. His previous roles include serving as president of the University of British Columbia and the University of Cincinnati. Ono is expected to engage with the Gainesville campus community this week, providing opportunities for students, faculty, and administrators to connect with him.

Ono's leadership style is characterized by inclusivity and collaboration. At the University of Michigan, he navigated significant diversity, equity, and inclusion policy shifts in response to federal directives, demonstrating his ability to lead through complex challenges. His appointment is expected to bring a focus on academic excellence and community engagement to the University of Florida.

The University of Florida community looks forward to the potential of having a leader with Santa Ono's vision and experience at the helm. His appointment represents a strategic move to bolster the university's academic stature and leadership continuity.

FAQ

Santa J. Ono is the current president of the University of Michigan, serving as its 15th president since October 2022. He has previously held leadership positions at the University of British Columbia and the University of Cincinnati.

The University of Florida's Presidential Search Committee conducted an extensive nationwide search, including 10 listening sessions and outreach to over 450 individuals. After evaluating numerous candidates, they unanimously recommended Santa J. Ono as the sole finalist for the position of the university's 14th president.

Santa J. Ono was selected due to his proven record of academic excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership at world-class institutions. His experience and leadership style align with the University of Florida's goals and values.

Santa J. Ono earned a Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences from the University of Chicago and a Doctor of Philosophy in experimental medicine from McGill University in Canada. He has also held faculty positions at Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, and University College London.

Santa J. Ono is recognized for his pioneering work in immunology and eye disease research. He is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing academic institutions' missions and reputations.

Santa J. Ono is expected to assume the presidency at the University of Florida later this summer, pending approval by the Florida Board of Governors. He announced his decision to leave the University of Michigan to take on this new role.

Santa J. Ono will succeed Kent Fuchs, who has served as the interim president of the University of Florida since the resignation of former President Ben Sasse in July 2024.

Santa J. Ono is known for his inclusive and collaborative leadership style. He emphasizes community engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has successfully navigated complex policy shifts in higher education.

Following the University of Florida Board of Trustees' approval, Santa J. Ono's appointment must be confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors. Upon confirmation, he will officially assume the presidency of the university.

Santa J. Ono is expected to visit the Gainesville campus to connect with students, faculty, and administrators. These engagements will provide opportunities for the university community to interact with him and learn more about his vision for the institution.