Introduction to the New President
The University of Florida plans to hire school president Santa Ono away from the University of Michigan. Ono was recommended as the search committee’s only finalist to be considered by the board of trustees on Sunday night.
The Selection Process
“Dr. Ono’s proven record of academic excellence, innovation and collaborative leadership at world-class institutions made him our unanimous choice,” said Rahul Patel, chair of the school’s presidential search committee. The school’s board selects the president and the appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors, per state law.
Upcoming Campus Visit
Ono is expected to be on campus Tuesday for a series of opportunities to connect with students, faculty, and administrators. “Few moments in higher education are as exciting as this one at the University of Florida,” Ono said. “No other public university combines UF’s momentum, its role as the flagship of one of the nation’s most important states, the extraordinary support from state leaders, and a shared vision across its entire community.”
Background and Previous Experience
Ono is set to replace Kent Fuchs, who became the school’s interim president last summer after ex-U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse stepped down. Sasse left the U.S. Senate, where he represented Nebraska, to become the university’s president in 2023.
AP Photo/Jose Juarez
University of Michigan President Santa Ono prepares to toss t-shirts into the crowd during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Previous President’s Departure
Sasse announced in July he was leaving the job to focus on his family after his wife was diagnosed with epilepsy. Soon thereafter, there were reports that Sasse gave six former staffers and two former Republican officials jobs with salaries that outstripped comparable positions and spent over $1.3 million on private catering for lavish dinners, football tailgates and extravagant social functions in his first year on the job.
Reaction from the Previous President
“If I could select a dream candidate for the University’s next president, it would be Santa Ono,” Fuchs said. ”His demonstrated record of success at the best universities, his leadership style, and caring personality have allowed him to work effectively with faculty, students, alumni, staff and other stakeholders everywhere he has been.”
Ono’s Previous Roles
Nearly three years ago, the University of Michigan hired Ono after he led the University of British Columbia. He previously served as president of the University of Cincinnati and senior vice provost and deputy to the provost at Emory University in Georgia.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices
As U.S. colleges pull back on diversity, equity and inclusion practices as they respond to the Trump administration’s orders against diversity practices, the University of Michigan was among the first schools to make major DEI rollbacks to avoid federal scrutiny. Ono had said the school will find other ways to support students, including an expansion of scholarships for low-income students.
Conclusion
The University of Florida’s decision to hire Santa Ono as its new president is a significant development for the institution. With his proven track record of academic excellence and collaborative leadership, Ono is well-positioned to lead the university forward. His commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices will be important in supporting students from all backgrounds.
FAQs
Q: Who is the new president of the University of Florida?
A: Santa Ono, currently the president of the University of Michigan.
Q: Why is the current president, Kent Fuchs, leaving his position?
A: Fuchs is the interim president and has been serving in that role since last summer.
Q: What is Ono’s background and experience?
A: Ono has previously served as president of the University of Cincinnati and senior vice provost and deputy to the provost at Emory University in Georgia, and most recently as president of the University of Michigan.
Q: What are Ono’s views on diversity, equity, and inclusion practices?
A: Ono has stated that the school will find other ways to support students, including an expansion of scholarships for low-income students, in response to the Trump administration’s orders against diversity practices.
