Santa Ono Named Sole Finalist for University of Florida Presidency

Santa Ono, the current president of the University of Michigan and former leader at the University of Cincinnati and the University of British Columbia, has been named the sole finalist to become the next president of the University of Florida. The UF presidential search committee unanimously recommended Ono, citing his record of academic excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership at major institutions. Ono is scheduled to visit the Gainesville campus for forums with students, faculty, and administrators before the UF Board of Trustees votes on his appointment. If approved, his selection must also be confirmed by Florida’s state university system Board of Governors. The search for a new president began after former president Ben Sasse resigned last year, with Kent Fuchs serving as interim president in the interim. Sasse’s short tenure included controversy over travel spending, which he denied, and his resignation was attributed to his wife’s health.