**Dr. Santa Ono Unanimously Approved as University of Florida's 14th President**

Dr. Santa Ono has been unanimously approved by the University of Florida’s Board of Trustees to become the institution’s 14th president. This decision, which now awaits final confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors, follows Ono’s tenure as president of the University of Michigan since 2022.

Wearing a lively orange and blue tie, Ono participated in an extensive interview session at Emerson Alumni Hall, which lasted nearly three hours. The trustees posed questions on a variety of subjects including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, antisemitism, and climate change. In his prepared statement, Ono expressed his gratitude, saying, "It is an extraordinary honor to have been unanimously chosen by the search committee as the finalist to be the next president of the University of Florida - an institution with exceptional momentum."

While Ono had previously been a proponent of the DEI program at the University of Michigan, he noted the program’s closure in March 2025. He assured that DEI initiatives would not be reinstated at UF during his presidency. Addressing accusations that his decision to close the DEI office was to impress UF officials, Ono clarified that the closure followed an extensive review which concluded that the program had caused more division than unity.

"I’m excited to be the leading edge of reform in education at the University of Florida and in the state of Florida," Ono stated. He emphasized that his perspective on DEI had evolved over time through thorough discussions and feedback from the university community.

Rahul Patel, chair of UF's Presidential Search Committee and vice chair of the university’s board of trustees, detailed the search process that began in January and led to contact with Ono and other candidates by early February. Ono also addressed concerns about antisemitism and student activism, particularly acknowledging the fears of Jewish students and faculty following recent attacks in Israel.

"Jewish students absolutely deserve an environment free of harassment or any situations that impact their ability to learn," Ono affirmed, underscoring a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.

Dr. Ono’s appointment marks a new chapter for the University of Florida as it continues to build on its national and international academic reputation.