Florida Board Confirms Donald Landry Second Consecutive UF Interim President

The Florida Board of Governors has approved Donald Landry as the University of Florida's interim president, following the rejection of the previous candidate, Santa Ono, due to concerns over his support for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Landry, a medical researcher and chair emeritus of Columbia University's Department of Medicine, began his tenure on September 1 under a contract with a $2 million base salary and up to $500,000 in performance bonuses, plus a $2 million severance if he is not named permanent president. His leadership will focus on free speech, student engagement, academic expression, and integrating artificial intelligence into the education system amid what he described as a period of ideological turmoil on college campuses. Landry has received praise from conservative leaders and state officials for his steady leadership and crisis management experience, including his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Florida plans to resume its search for a permanent president in January 2026. Landry's contract includes a financial penalty for the university if he is not selected as the formal president, reflecting concerns about attracting qualified candidates under current political and ideological pressures in Florida higher education.