Santa Ono Named UF's 14th President Pending Approval

The University of Florida's Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Dr. Santa J. Ono, outgoing president of the University of Michigan, as UF's 14th president, pending confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors. Ono will succeed interim president Kent Fuchs, who assumed the role following Ben Sasse's resignation for personal reasons. The appointment follows a months-long search and has drawn criticism from both conservative and liberal figures, mainly due to Ono’s previous support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. During his interview, Ono affirmed that DEI programs would not return to UF under his leadership and expressed support for Florida’s current higher education policies. He also emphasized academic freedom, support for Jewish students, and a commitment to institutional neutrality on contested issues like climate change. Board Chair Mori Hosseini and others praised Ono's credentials, and his confirmation is expected at the next Board of Governors meeting.