Santa J. Ono Chosen as Sole Finalist for University of Florida Presidency
GAINESVILLE, FL – The University of Florida’s Presidential Search Committee has named Santa J. Ono, currently President of the University of Michigan, as the sole finalist for the university’s presidency. The recommendation was unanimously endorsed on Sunday and will be presented to the UF Board of Trustees.
Rahul Patel, Chair of the Search Committee, praised Ono’s credentials, which include his status as a renowned researcher in immune system studies and eye disease. “Dr. Ono’s proven record of academic excellence and collaborative leadership makes him our unanimous choice,” Patel stated, adding confidence in Ono’s ability to enhance UF’s already strong standing.
Ono holds a Ph.D. from McGill University and a biology degree from the University of Chicago. His previous leadership roles include the University of British Columbia and the University of Cincinnati. “The moment is exciting for higher education at UF,” Ono shared, acknowledging the university’s significant potential and the support it receives from state leaders.
Interim President Kent Fuchs expressed his strong support for Ono, calling him a “dream candidate” due to his successful track record and engaging leadership style. The UF Board of Trustees, under Chair Mori Hosseini, emphasized the importance of this selection in continuing UF’s remarkable growth in higher education.
Ono is scheduled to visit the UF campus this Tuesday for public forums with university stakeholders. However, his candidacy is not without controversy; he has been named in a lawsuit involving wrongful terminations related to student protest actions at the University of Michigan, alongside other ongoing legal matters.
Ono’s appointment is pending approval by the UF Board of Trustees and confirmation from the Florida Board of Governors.
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