University of Michigan President Santa Ono has announced that he expects to step down this summer to assume the presidency at the University of Florida. Ono announced in a statement released by his UM office on May 4, just three years after he took on the role in Ann Arbor.
Ono, 61, was named the sole finalist for the University of Florida presidency. The Florida Board of Governors still must approve his appointment, but the transition is expected to be finalized in the coming months.
“I have informed the Chair of the University of Michigan Board of Regents, Kathy White, of my decision,” Ono said. “This decision was not made lightly, given the deep bond Wendy and I have formed with this extraordinary community.” 
University of Michigan Regent Paul Brown called it “an honor and a privilege” to work with Ono and wished him success in his next chapter. Other regents declined to comment or did not respond to the news.
Ono took over as UM president in October 2022, succeeding Mark Schlissel, who was fired after revelations of an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate. Ono’s term began during a period of institutional recovery and transformation, following litigation related to the Dr. Robert Anderson sexual abuse scandal and major reforms to UM’s sexual misconduct policies.
Previously, Ono served as president at both the University of British Columbia and the University of Cincinnati.
The University of Florida praised Ono’s track record of leadership, calling him “the unanimous choice” to lead the institution forward. If approved, he would become the full-time successor to former UF president Ben Sasse, who stepped down in July 2024.
During his time at UM, Ono led several major initiatives, including Campus Plan 2050, a long-term vision for transforming the Ann Arbor campus. He also helped finalize the long-delayed agreement to build the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit.
One of his most praised actions was expanding the Go Blue Guarantee, offering free tuition to families earning up to $125,000 annually.
However, his administration also faced criticism. The closure of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and other DEI cuts drew backlash. Additionally, pro-Palestinian student activists have accused university leadership of limiting free speech and protest on campus.
In his farewell remarks, Ono highlighted the founding of the Institute for Civil Discourse, aimed at promoting dialogue across ideological and political lines.
“These accomplishments are a testament to the collaborative spirit, creativity, and dedication of our entire university community,” Ono stated. “They reflect a deep commitment to ensuring that Michigan’s best days are still ahead.”
