Introduction to the Controversy
The chairman of the University of Florida’s trustees on Thursday called the decision to vote down the confirmation of Santa Ono as the university’s next president “deeply disappointing.”
“Our board of trustees stands by the integrity of the search, the strength of the candidates it produced and the principles that guided our work,” said Chairman Mori Hosseini, at a UF board of trustees meeting in Gainesville. “This outcome is deeply disappointing to our Board of Trustees.”
Background on the Decision
Florida’s Board of Governors, which has final say on who leads the state’s 12 universities, nixed Ono’s appointment at a meeting Tuesday.
Both the board of governors and UF’s board of trustees are comprised largely of appointees from Gov. Ron DeSantis — who has been publicly mum on Ono’s rejection.
Hosseini — who sat next to Ono as he faced hours of intense questioning from the board — did not elaborate Thursday on the university’s next steps in finding a new president. Ono, Hosseini and UF also did not comment after the 10-6 vote against the president-elect on Tuesday.
Ono’s Credentials and Controversy
Ono is a highly respected molecular immunologist who served as president at the University of Michigan, University of British Columbia and University of Cincinnati.
UF’s board of trustees selected Ono as the sole finalist for president on May 27, praising his “record of academic excellence” and calling him “the right person to build on UF’s strong foundation.”
But that announcement quickly met with backlash from many conservatives who deemed Ono too progressive for Florida as he had championed diversity, equity and inclusion programs at Michigan before saying he had “evolved” on the issue. Florida has banned DEI, and UF and other state universities have dismantled their programs.
Reactions to the Rejection
Christopher Rufo, a New College of Florida trustee and conservative firebrand, for example, called Ono’s selection a “scandal”, while Donald Trump Jr. dubbed Ono a “woke psycho.” Sen. Rick Scott, a former state governor, criticized Ono’s handling of protests on Michigan’s campus in the wake of Hamas’ October attacks in Israel, saying Ono “stood by while a pro-terrorist encampment occupied the campus for an entire month” and questioning how Ono would protect Jewish students on UF’s campus.
Moving Forward
Going forward, Hosseini said Ono’s rejection would “not diminish” UF’s “momentum.”
“Our responsibility now to move forward with a strength, purpose and unshakable belief in UF’s future. We will continue to pursue the kind of bold principle and forward-thinking leadership that Gator Nation deserves,” he said.
Not everyone shares Hosseini’s optimism, however.
Concerns About the Future
After Tuesday’s meeting, Amanda Phalin, a UF professor and former member of the board of governors, called Ono’s rejection an “embarrassment” that could hurt the university for decades and make it harder for the state to recruit highly-qualified university leaders.
“This portends more politics in the process, and more politicians in the process across the state, and less focus on academics and academic excellence,” Phalin said.
Conclusion
The rejection of Santa Ono as the University of Florida’s next president has sent shockwaves throughout the academic community, with many expressing disappointment and concern about the future of the university. Despite the setback, the university’s board of trustees remains committed to finding a new leader who will build on UF’s strong foundation and take the institution to new heights.
FAQs
Q: Who is Santa Ono and why was his appointment rejected?
A: Santa Ono is a highly respected molecular immunologist who was selected as the sole finalist for president of the University of Florida. His appointment was rejected by the Florida Board of Governors due to concerns about his progressive views and his handling of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at his previous institution.
Q: What are the implications of Ono’s rejection for the University of Florida?
A: The rejection of Ono’s appointment could hurt the university’s reputation and make it harder to recruit highly-qualified leaders in the future. It may also lead to more political involvement in the university’s decision-making process, which could detract from its focus on academic excellence.
Q: What’s next for the University of Florida in terms of finding a new president?
A: The university’s board of trustees will continue to search for a new president who embodies the principles of academic excellence and bold leadership that the institution values. The board remains committed to finding a leader who will build on UF’s strong foundation and take the university to new heights.
Originally Published: June 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM EDT
