The University of Michigan’s president, Santa Ono, is leaving the school.
Michigan announced on Sunday that Ono would be departing the university. The Big Ten president announced on Sunday that he’ll be leaving for a different job.
The University of Michigan president announced that he is leaving for the University of Florida.
“I write today to share that I have been selected as the sole finalist for the presidency of the University of Florida, and once the appointment is approved by their Board of Governors, I expect to assume that role later this summer,” he announced on Sunday evening.
NEWS: University of Michigan President Santa Ono is set to depart for University of Florida this summer pending Board of Regents approval. #UMich #Michigan @detroitnews pic.twitter.com/Zeg1rCl7Zy
— Sarah Rahal (@SarahRahal_) May 4, 2025
The University of Florida shared the big news on social media on Sunday, too.
“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,” Florida announced.
Rahul Patel, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, released a statement, too.
“On behalf of the Presidential Search Committee, I am proud to announce Dr. Santa Ono as the sole finalist to be the University of Florida’s next president,” Patel said.
“Throughout an extensive and thorough process, we sought a leader who could match UF’s extraordinary momentum, understand its role as the flagship university of one of the most dynamic states in the country, and inspire our community to reach even greater heights. Dr. Ono’s proven record of academic excellence, innovation and collaborative leadership at world-class institutions made him our unanimous choice. We are confident he is the right person to build on UF’s strong foundation and help realize our bold vision for the future.”
It’ll be interesting to see where the University of Michigan goes from here.