Santa Ono Leaving University of Michigan for Florida Presidency

University of Michigan President Santa Ono is set to become the next president of the University of Florida, pending approval from Florida’s Board of Governors. Ono was chosen as the sole finalist for the position due to his record of academic excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership, according to UF's search committee. His tenure at Michigan, lasting less than three years, was marked by both significant achievements—such as expanding free tuition for in-state students and launching major fundraising and innovation initiatives—and mounting campus tensions over issues like the Gaza conflict, diversity policy changes, and free speech. His departure follows controversies including the closure of Michigan’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office, protests over university policies, and recent administrative challenges. At Florida, Ono is expected to replace interim president Kent Fuchs, who stepped in after Ben Sasse resigned, amid scrutiny of Sasse’s spending and hiring practices. Ono expressed excitement about the opportunity, highlighting UF’s momentum and unified vision.