Santa Ono Named Sole Finalist for UF Presidency

Santa J. Ono, current president of the University of Michigan, has been unanimously recommended as the sole finalist to become the University of Florida's next president, following a comprehensive search by UF's Presidential Search Committee. Ono announced his intention to step down from Michigan and assume the UF presidency later this summer, pending formal approval from the UF Board of Governors. His tenure at Michigan since October 2022 was marked by major initiatives including Campus Plan 2050 and the Detroit innovation center. UF officials cited his prior leadership roles at the University of British Columbia and the University of Cincinnati, along with his academic credentials and research achievements. The transition has sparked discussion within the Michigan community due to the abrupt nature of his departure and the challenges he faced. Ono expressed gratitude to Michigan and enthusiasm for UF's future.