Former U-M President Santa Ono Jobless After Florida Rejection

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Santa Ono is without a job after the University of Florida rejected him as its president on June 3. The University of Michigan, where he previously served, is now seeking a new leader as interim Chancellor of U-M Dearborn fills the position temporarily.

The Board of Regents had named Ono as the sole finalist for the Florida job on May 8, but his bid ended with a negative vote. Following his departure, Regent Jordan Acker appeared to criticize Ono on social media by quoting author Fran Lebowitz: “He doesn’t believe in anything — just auditions for approval in whatever room he’s in.” Ono has not commented publicly since the vote.

Despite his strong academic credentials, Ono faced scrutiny over his positions on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, particularly amid shifting political climates. Some experts noted that he might have been perceived as too conservative for U-M and too liberal for Florida.

The regents are set to meet on June 12 to discuss the university budget and outline the next steps in their search for a president. Their statement has indicated that the search should be completed within a year.

Judith Wilde, a presidential search expert at George Mason University, remarked on Ono’s marketability in the current landscape, suggesting that he may find more opportunities at smaller universities. “He may be better off becoming a consultant or something of that sort,” she said.

U-M Faculty Senate Chair Derek Peterson stressed the need for strong leadership. “We need a president with a spine,” he told the Free Press, emphasizing the importance of commitment to the principles of liberal education.

Wilde believes that U-M will attract candidates eager to take on the role, given the university’s stature. “Michigan is a big name school, so I don’t think they’ll have a terrible problem,” she said.

Former contracts show that Ono set compensation records at U-M, with a base salary of $975,000 initially, rising to $1.3 million with an extension signed in October 2024. These figures provided a benchmark for future candidates, according to James Finkelstein, a professor emeritus at George Mason University.

Finkelstein noted that many candidates now utilize agents to negotiate contracts, which often include perks resembling those of corporate executives. For instance, U-M’s contract with Ono included provisions for the safe transport of his cellos, underlining the growing trend of benefits in academia.

As U-M prepares to find its next leader, Ono’s unexpected exit leaves both him and the university facing an uncertain future.