Former University of Michigan president picked for education role in United Kingdom
Former University of Michigan president Santa Ono has found a new role at the Ellison Institute of Technology's Oxford campus in the United Kingdom.
The Ellison Institute of Technology announced Monday that Ono will be its new global president, working with others to develop and expand the school's science programs. The school focuses on topics such as health, medical science, sustainable agriculture, clean energy and artificial intelligence.
"I look forward to collaborating with EIT's leadership teams worldwide to advance Larry Ellison's bold vision," Ono said in his statement. "I believe this innovative approach represents the most exciting investment in fundamental and applied research globally, and I am thrilled to be part of this collective effort to create solutions to humanity's most pressing challenges."
Ono was named president of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in July 2022. At the time, he planned to stay for five years. This appointment came after the university's removal of former President Mark Schlissel, with Mary Sue Coleman serving as interim president.
His career path took a twist when he announced his intention in May 2025 to become the president at the University of Florida. He was the sole finalist and earned approval from the school's board of trustees, pending approval from the Florida Board of Governors.
That's when the bid stalled out. Ono's proposed contract included a number of stipulations and requirements, and some prominent conservatives raised questions about pro-Palestinian protests, climate change efforts and programs that focused on diversity, equity and inclusion at his former workplaces.
The Florida Board of Governors then rejected his pending hire.
The University of Michigan, in the meantime, said Ono would not be on its faculty and has begun the search process for its next president.
Before taking the Michigan job, Ono was president and vice chancellor of the University of British Columbia. He also served as president at the University of Cincinnati. His work in academic leadership spun out of his previous work in biomedical research and immunology.