University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono Recommended as Next UF President

In a significant announcement, Santa J. Ono, the current president of the University of Michigan, has been unanimously recommended by the University of Florida’s presidential search committee as the sole candidate for the 14th president of the institution. This news was made public on May 4th via UF’s official website (news.ufl.edu), with expectations that Ono will officially assume his new role later this summer. 🌞

A Thoughtful Decision

After careful consideration, Ono has informed Kathy White, Chair of the University of Michigan Board of Regents, of his decision to accept the nomination. On May 6th, he will make a visit to UF’s Gainesville campus to engage with students, faculty, staff, and administration. If his appointment receives the approval from the UF Board of Trustees, it will still require confirmation from the UF system Board.

Endorsements from UF Leadership

Kent Fuchs, UF’s interim president, expressed confidence in Ono’s potential to lead the university towards a brighter future, describing him as the ideal candidate. Meanwhile, Rahul Patel, chair of the search committee, praised Ono for standing out during the extensive selection process, believing he aligns perfectly with UF’s developmental momentum.

Reaction from the University of Michigan Community

This announcement has sparked significant interest within the University of Michigan medical community. On the evening of May 4th, Marschell S. Runge, CEO of Michigan Medicine and Dean of the University of Michigan Medical School, along with David Miller, President of Michigan Medicine and Executive Vice President for Clinical Affairs, sent an internal email to staff addressing the news. They acknowledged that this revelation may come as “a surprise, or even a shock,” and assured staff there is currently no information regarding transition plans. Leadership pledged to provide timely updates while continuing to support patients, faculty, staff, and the community.

Graduation and Community Impact

Interestingly, just a day prior on May 3rd, Ono participated in the University of Michigan’s 2025 graduation ceremony, where he encouraged graduates to stay connected and embrace the campus’s cultural elements. The surprising nature of his upcoming transition has understandably created waves of emotion within the University of Michigan community. 🎓

Stay Informed

For further updates, please keep an eye on the official statements from both the University of Michigan and the University of Florida. This transition could bring exciting changes for both institutions, and fans of higher education will want to stay in the loop!

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