Santa Ono Steps Down as President of University of Michigan, Set to Join University of Florida

ANN ARBOR, MI - After a brief tenure of three years, Santa Ono is moving on from his role as president at the University of Michigan.

Ono has been selected as the sole candidate for the presidency at the University of Florida and anticipates starting this new position in the upcoming summer, according to a May 4 announcement issued by his office at UM.

“I have notified Kathy White, Chair of the University of Michigan Board of Regents, of my decision,” Ono stated in the release. “This was a tough choice, considering the strong connection my wife Wendy and I have developed with this remarkable community.”

Several regents have either declined to comment or have not yet responded to the development.

Regent Paul Brown expressed his sentiments, saying it was “an honor and a privilege to work with him and his wonderful family.”

“I wish him all the best,” added Brown.

Ono took over the presidency in October 2022, succeeding Mark Schlissel, who was removed due to an inappropriate relationship with a colleague. This transition came amidst the university’s legal battles over the Dr. Robert Anderson sexual abuse scandal, alongside efforts to revamp its protocols for dealing with sexual misconduct.

Ono previously held the presidency at the University of British Columbia, and before that, he served as president of the University of Cincinnati.

The University of Florida publicized Ono’s candidacy as their sole finalist for president in a separate May 4 announcement. His appointment will be made official pending approval by the Board of Governors.

“Dr. Ono’s established record of academic excellence, innovative leadership, and collaborative spirit in top-tier institutions made him a unanimous choice,” stated the University of Florida. “We believe he is the ideal leader to advance UF’s robust foundation and realize our ambitious vision.”

Ono will succeed former UF President Ben Sasse, who resigned in July 2024.

During his three-year presidency, Ono launched Campus Plan 2050, setting a vision for the transformation of the Ann Arbor campus over the next 25 years. He also played a pivotal role in advancing the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit, overcoming long-standing negotiation challenges.

Additionally, under his guidance, the Board of Regents extended the Go Blue Guarantee, offering free tuition to families earning $125,000 or less annually.

However, Ono and the board faced criticism for scaling back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, including shutting down the Office of DEI. Pro-Palestinian activists also criticized his administration for purportedly restricting free speech during their demonstrations.

In his farewell message, Ono highlighted his administration’s establishment of the Institute for Civil Discourse, which aims to enhance “debate and dialogue across various ideologies and political views.”

“These achievements highlight the collaborative spirit, creativity, and commitment of our entire university community,” he stated in his parting message. “They underscore a deep commitment to ensuring that Michigan’s greatest moments are yet to come.”