GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida Presidential Search Committee has unanimously selected Santa J. Ono, Ph.D., as the sole finalist to be considered by the Board of Trustees for the position of president.
Dr. Santa J. Ono, currently president of the University of Michigan, has been unanimously recommended by UF’s Presidential Search Committee for consideration by the Board of Trustees as the sole finalist to become the university’s 14th president.https://t.co/9ELmaULVRg
— FLORIDA (@UF) May 4, 2025
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Currently serving as the president of the University of Michigan, Dr. Ono brings a distinguished background in academic leadership and public health from institutions across the United States and Canada, UF said in a news release.
“On behalf of the Presidential Search Committee, I am thrilled to announce Dr. Santa Ono as our sole finalist for the next president of the University of Florida,” stated Rahul Patel, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee.
Patel highlighted the committee’s thorough search process, emphasizing the need for a leader who can harness UF’s impressive momentum and appreciate its status as the flagship university in one of the nation’s most vibrant states.
“Dr. Ono’s exceptional track record in academic excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership at top-tier institutions made him our unanimous choice,” Patel said. “We believe he is the ideal candidate to build on UF’s solid foundation and help us achieve our ambitious vision for the future.”
Dr. Ono is a globally recognized researcher known for his work on the immune system and eye diseases. He earned his Ph.D. in experimental medicine from McGill University and his B.A. in biological sciences from the University of Chicago.
His accolades include membership in the National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, and several other prestigious organizations.
In addition to his academic credentials, Dr. Ono holds positions on the boards of the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Council on Competitiveness. He chairs the Council of Presidents of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), the University of Michigan Health Board, and Fulbright Canada.
His previous roles include president and vice chancellor of the University of British Columbia, president of the University of Cincinnati, and senior vice provost at Emory University. Dr. Ono is also celebrated for his ability to foster philanthropic partnerships and spearhead significant fundraising initiatives.
“Few moments in higher education are as thrilling as this one at the University of Florida,” Dr. Ono remarked. “No other public university combines UF’s momentum, its role as the flagship institution in one of the nation’s most significant states, the exceptional support from state leaders, and a unified vision across its community. These strengths position UF not only to lead public higher education but also to rank among the most influential institutions—public or private—globally. I am honored and excited to be considered for this historic opportunity.”
Dr. Ono is set to visit the Gainesville campus on Tuesday, where he will hold public forums with students, faculty, and administrators.
“I want to express my gratitude to the Search Committee and all the members of the UF community who contributed to this process,” said Mori Hosseini, Chair of the UF Board of Trustees. “Today marks a significant milestone for the University of Florida and the State of Florida. UF is on an extraordinary trajectory, and the Board is fully committed to ensuring that UF becomes not only the best public university in the nation but also one of the most influential institutions of higher learning in the country.”
“If I could choose a dream candidate for the University’s next president, it would be Santa Ono,” said Kent Fuchs, University of Florida Interim President. “His proven success at leading top universities, along with his approachable leadership style and genuine personality, have enabled him to collaborate effectively with faculty, students, alumni, staff, and other stakeholders throughout his career. I am confident that the future of the University will be in excellent hands with Santa Ono at the helm.”
In accordance with Florida law, the Presidential Search Committee was tasked with establishing the search criteria, identifying and vetting a diverse pool of qualified candidates, and recommending finalists to the Board of Trustees. The University of Florida Board of Trustees is responsible for selecting the university president, whose appointment must then be confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors.
