Why Is Santa Ono Leaving the University of Michigan for Florida?

In a move that caught many in Ann Arbor by surprise, University of Michigan President Santa Ono announced on Sunday that he plans to leave his post and head south to become the next president of the University of Florida.

Ono shared the news with the Michigan community in a heartfelt message posted on the Office of the President’s website, calling his time at U-M a “distinct honor” and explaining that the decision was not one he made lightly.

When Will Santa Ono Make the Move?

Ono revealed that he is the sole finalist for the University of Florida presidency and expects to assume the new role later this summer, once approved by UF’s Board of Governors.

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The announcement came just over a year after Ono was officially sworn in as U-M’s 15th president in March 2023. His original contract was set for five years, but just last October, it was extended through 2032, with a salary bump to $1.3 million annually.

So, yes—this departure is a big one, and it’s happening much sooner than most expected.

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Why Is Santa Ono Leaving the University of Michigan?

That’s the question on many minds. Ono hasn’t given a detailed reason, but in his message, he described the University of Florida as an exciting opportunity and praised the school’s ambition and potential.

The UF presidential search committee, led by Rahul Patel, called Ono their unanimous choice, citing his “record of academic excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership.”

It’s worth noting that Ono has previously led other high-profile institutions, including the University of British Columbia and the University of Cincinnati. His background as a vision researcher and his experience navigating complex university systems made him a strong candidate.

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What Has Santa Ono Done During His Time at Michigan?

Despite his short tenure, Ono did leave a mark on U-M.

In his message to the campus, he pointed to several initiatives:

• Sustainability efforts and a focus on climate change
• Expansion of AI research and urban outreach
• Launch of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute to combat antisemitism
• The planned Institute on Civic Discourse
• The “Look to Michigan” campaign, a $7 billion fundraising initiative already more than halfway to its goal

He also pushed forward changes to financial aid through an expansion of the Go Blue Guarantee, offering free tuition for in-state students from households earning $125,000 or less.

What Controversies Marked His Presidency?

Ono’s leadership wasn’t without challenges.

The University of Michigan has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of the Gaza War protests and the broader climate around free speech, antisemitism, and Islamophobia on campus. While some accused the school of being slow to address antisemitic incidents, others said it ignored rising Islamophobia.

Student protesters have called on the university to divest from companies connected to Israel, but U-M has stood firm in rejecting those demands.

There was also backlash after Ono’s home and other U-M officials’ homes were vandalized with pro-Palestinian graffiti and damage to property.

Perhaps the most heated debate came when U-M announced it would be shuttering its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The move followed political pressure from former President Donald Trump, who publicly targeted DEI programs. Critics saw the university’s decision as a capitulation.

U-M responded by saying it was redirecting DEI funding to student-focused programs, such as the Go Blue Guarantee.

What Happens Next for the University of Michigan?

With Ono stepping down, the focus will now turn to what’s next for U-M.

The Board of Regents has yet to release a full statement or timeline for selecting a new president. Given the abrupt nature of Ono’s departure, it’s likely that an interim president will be appointed before a formal search begins.

It also remains to be seen how Ono’s initiatives will carry forward—particularly large-scale efforts like the Look to Michigan campaign, the new research centers, and the ongoing tensions on campus.