Tampa Bay Times: Why I think confidentiality helped UF secure a top president | Column
The University of Florida has never been stronger — and our commitment to becoming the nation’s top public university has never been clearer. As we enter our next chapter, bold leadership is essential to sustaining the extraordinary momentum that defines Gator Nation. That’s why the University of Florida Presidential Search Committee has unanimously recommended Dr. Santa J. Ono as UF’s sole public finalist to become our 14th president.
This transition comes at a time of rapid transformation in higher education. From artificial intelligence to increasing competition for talent to the evolving role of public institutions, leading a top university today requires vision, courage, and the ability to bring people together around a shared purpose.
At the outset of this search process, we understood the importance of listening. We began by holding 10 listening sessions — with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, administration, and members of the Gainesville community — to hear firsthand what qualities the UF community wanted in its next leader. These conversations shaped our priorities and decision-making.
Our 15-member Presidential Search Committee — each of whom has signed onto this op-ed — reflects the breadth and depth of the UF community. The committee includes 10 alumni, seven major donors, four respected faculty leaders and a student leader. It also comprises leaders from across Florida and the country in fields such as public service, agriculture, healthcare, law, insurance, transportation, real estate, and land development. This wide range of perspectives informed every step of the process and reflects the statewide and national impact of the University of Florida.
Our committee worked diligently for nearly five months — conducting a comprehensive and thoughtful process. While thorough, the search was also efficient and focused, driven by the urgency of continuing UF’s remarkable trajectory without delay. Throughout, we remained guided by the feedback we received from the university community.