GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) — The University of Florida Presidential Search Committee has unanimously recommended Dr. Santa J. Ono as the sole finalist to become the institution’s 14th president.

Currently serving as president of the University of Michigan, Dr. Ono brings decades of academic leadership experience and is internationally recognized for his work in immunology and eye disease. His previous leadership roles include serving as president of the University of British Columbia and the University of Cincinnati, and as senior vice provost at Emory University.

“Throughout an extensive and thorough process, we sought a leader who could match UF’s extraordinary momentum… Dr. Ono’s proven record of academic excellence, innovation and collaborative leadership at world-class institutions made him our unanimous choice,” said Rahul Patel, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee.

Dr. Ono, who earned his Ph.D. in experimental medicine from McGill University and B.A. from the University of Chicago, has held faculty appointments at prestigious institutions including Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and University College London. He is a member of several prominent academies and boards, including the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

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His leadership is also known for fostering philanthropic partnerships and overseeing major fundraising campaigns.

Dr. Ono will visit the UF campus in Gainesville on Tuesday, May 6, to participate in public forums with students, faculty, and administrators.

“No other public university combines UF’s momentum… the extraordinary support from state leaders, and a shared vision across its entire community,” said Dr. Ono. “I am honored and energized to be considered for this historic opportunity.”

UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini expressed strong support for the committee’s recommendation. “We look forward to welcoming Dr. Ono, his wife Wendy Yip, and their daughters Juliana and Sarah to the Gator Nation.”

Interim UF President Kent Fuchs added, “If I could select a dream candidate… it would be Santa Ono.”

Dr. Ono’s appointment is pending final approval by the UF Board of Trustees and confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.

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