University of Florida Appoints Dr. Santa Ono as President: Navigating Conservative Challenges

The University of Florida has chosen Dr. Santa J. Ono as its 14th president, a decision that has stirred considerable debate. Ono, who recently led the University of Michigan, must be confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors. His candidacy has drawn attention mainly because of his views on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

In his final interview with the Board of Trustees, Ono addressed criticisms directly, stating that his past comments no longer reflect his current beliefs. He expressed his commitment to support Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s higher education reforms, which have controversially rolled back DEI programs in state universities.

Ono emphasized the importance of academic excellence without ideological bias. “Florida shows it’s possible to achieve high standards without indoctrination,” he said, indicating his readiness to embrace the reforms in Florida’s educational framework.

His selection follows the sudden resignation of former president Dr. Ben Sasse in July 2024, leaving interim president Dr. Kent Fuchs at the helm during a turbulent time. Ono’s experience in leadership spans prestigious institutions across the U.S. and Canada, including the University of British Columbia and Emory University. He’s also a respected scholar in vision research.

However, opposition surrounds Ono’s appointment. Conservative activists and some political figures have questioned whether his background is appropriate for Florida’s current stance on education. Notably, Rep. Greg Steube expressed serious concerns over what he terms Ono’s “woke politics,” urging higher authorities to reconsider his confirmation.

Despite this backlash, Florida’s Governor DeSantis has refrained from publicly opposing Ono, trusting the selection process. The Board of Trustees has defended their decision-making process, citing the confidentiality that allowed many university leaders to apply discreetly.

As Ono prepares to transition to UF, he’s excited about engaging with students and faculty, and addressing the university’s ambitious goals, which now also include increasing athletic successes alongside academic achievements.

Ono’s confirmation is expected to happen at the next Board of Governors meeting. If confirmed, he will lead a large public university, which has over 50,000 students and a substantial budget. His appointment is crucial as it tests whether someone with a history of progressive views can effectively lead in Florida’s current educational landscape.

Overall, Ono’s selection is not just about his academic credentials; it also reflects the dynamic and often contentious dialogue surrounding higher education today.



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