Santa Ono to Lead University of Florida as New President
Santa J. Ono, the current president of the University of Michigan, has been named the sole finalist for the presidency at the University of Florida. His appointment is pending approval by Florida’s Board of Governors. AP News+6record.umich.edu+6Maize n Brew+6
In a message to the University of Michigan community, Ono expressed gratitude for his time in Ann Arbor, stating, "Serving as your president over these past three academic years has been a distinct honor." president.umich.edu+3record.umich.edu+3The Michigan Daily+3
📌 Highlights of Ono’s Tenure at Michigan
During his presidency at the University of Michigan, Ono spearheaded several initiatives:The Michigan Daily
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Vision 2034 and Campus Plan 2050: Strategic plans involving over 25,000 stakeholders to shape the university's future. record.umich.edu
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University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI): Established in Detroit to foster entrepreneurship and community engagement. president.umich.edu
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Artificial Intelligence Research Ecosystem: Launched a $1.2 billion initiative in collaboration with OpenAI and Los Alamos National Laboratory. record.umich.edu+1president.umich.edu+1
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Expansion of the Go Blue Guarantee: Extended free tuition to families earning up to $125,000 annually. Diverse: Issues In Higher Education
Ono also addressed national security concerns by ending a partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University after incidents involving Chinese students near a U.S. military site. AP News
🔄 Transition Plans
The University of Michigan's Board of Regents is working to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Ono has agreed to remain in his role until an interim president is appointed
Ono’s Achievements at Michigan
During his time as president, Ono focused on improving campus life, expanding financial aid, and boosting research. Notable accomplishments include:
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Launching a Detroit Center for Innovation
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Creating a 10-year campus development plan
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Extending free tuition to more families
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Promoting artificial intelligence research
