Dear University of Michigan Community,

I write today to share that I have been selected as the sole finalist for the presidency of the University of Florida, and once the appointment is approved by their Board of Governors, I expect to assume that role later this summer. I have informed the Chair of the University of Michigan Board of Regents, Kathy White, of my decision. This decision was not made lightly, given the deep bond Wendy and I have formed with this extraordinary community.

Serving as your president over these past three academic years has been a distinct honor. Every day, I have been inspired beyond words by the vibrancy, brilliance, and dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. I will miss the extraordinary intellectual vitality that fills our classrooms and laboratories, the sublime sounds of our musical and theatrical performances, and the roar of fans cheering on the Wolverines — or singing “Mr. Brightside” together in joyful unity. 

I will miss working alongside the UM Health Board to advance our world-class health system. 

And most of all, Wendy and I will miss the many friends we have made here, friendships that we will treasure for a lifetime. Wendy has loved engaging with every part of this special community.

The University of Michigan — and the State of Michigan — have forever captured my heart. It has been a profound privilege to be part of this extraordinary community and this remarkable state.

Celebrating Our Shared Accomplishments

As we reflect on the past three years, we can take immense pride in the transformative strides we have made together across a wide range of domains:

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation

• Prioritized the strategic expansion of artificial intelligence, making Michigan the first university to offer custom AI tools to our entire academic community.
• Forged transformative partnerships with OpenAI and Los Alamos National Laboratory and launching a new $1.2B artificial intelligence research ecosystem. 

Urban Engagement and Economic Development

• Founded the University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI) in Detroit, expanding our leadership in entrepreneurship, community engagement, and job creation.
• Recruited a transformational leader in Scott Shireman.

Climate Leadership and Sustainability

• Advanced climate leadership by chairing the UC3 consortium of research universities and remaining on track with the goals of our PCCN strategic plan. 

Campus Transformation and Infrastructure

• Reimagined the future of our physical campus through “Campus Plan 2050,” rethinking the use of our 3,600 acres.
• Completed major projects, including new residential halls, a new Campus Recreation Center, and bold investments in artificial intelligence and civil discourse, all part of Vision 2034.

Academic Excellence and Research

• Achieved top rankings across numerous disciplines, with 110 graduate programs ranked in the top 10 nationally.
• Secured $2.04 billion in research expenditures in FY2024, reinforcing Michigan’s position as a leading research university.

Access and Affordability

• Expanded the Go Blue Guarantee to provide free tuition to in-state students from families earning up to $125,000, benefiting thousands more across our campuses.
• Invested significantly in the Wolverine Pathways program, providing new pathways to Michigan for students from under-resourced communities, coupled with full-tuition scholarships.

Amplify Research Initiative

• Launched the Amplify Research initiative, strategically enhancing support for large-scale grants, foundation and industry partnerships, and research analytics.
• Committed an initial $3 million investment to amplify the societal impact of Michigan’s research enterprise.

Raoul Wallenberg Institute

• Established the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in December 2023 to combat antisemitism and promote religious inclusion.
• Appointed Jeffrey Veidlinger, the Joseph Brodsky Collegiate Professor of History and Judaic Studies, as the inaugural director.
• The institute fosters empathy, tolerance, and leadership through teaching, research, and public engagement.

Institute for Civil Discourse

• Announced in December 2024, the Institute for Civil Discourse serves all three U-M campuses, strengthening debate and dialogue across diverse ideologies and political perspectives.
• Identified an iconic building to serve as the inaugural home of the Institute and launched a national search for its founding director.

Faculty Enhancement Initiative

• Initiated the Vision 2034 Faculty Enhancement Initiative, securing resources to recruit 200 senior faculty members over the next seven years to bolster research excellence across the Ann Arbor campus. 

Arts and Cultural Enrichment

• Committed to multi-year support for the University’s transformative Arts Initiative, energizing creativity across all three campuses.
• Established a public arts endowment fund to commission and acquire public art, enriching the campus environment.
• Supported the Inclusive History Project with a multi-year commitment to expand historical understanding of the University’s complex past.
• Welcomed the Telegraph Quartet as the quartet-in-residence at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

President’s Medal of Excellence

• Launched the President’s Medal of Excellence initiative to celebrate individuals who have inspired the University of Michigan community across all fields of endeavor. 

Look to Michigan Campaign

• Launched the “Look to Michigan” campaign, a $7 billion initiative to advance our mission of education, research, service, and impact.
• We have already raised $3.8 billion, surpassing the halfway point of the campaign in a remarkably short period of time, reflecting the tremendous generosity and spirit of the Michigan community.
• Our fundraising for UM during my years here have been among the top years in the history of the university

Global Leadership and Strategic Partnerships

• During my tenure, Michigan was invited to join the prestigious Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), enhancing our global engagement.
• I joined the executive committee of the Council on Competitiveness, aligning Michigan with national efforts to drive innovation and economic growth.
• Strengthened Michigan’s engagement with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and deepened our collaboration through Internet2 to advance technological innovation and research 

These accomplishments are a testament to the collaborative spirit, creativity, and dedication of our entire university community. They reflect a deep commitment to ensuring that Michigan’s best days are still ahead. 

I look forward to watching with great pride as the University of Michigan moves from strength to strength, advancing Vision 2034, Campus Plan 2050, the Faculty Enhancement Initiative, and Amplify Research. I leave knowing that the Look to Michigan campaign is progressing ahead of schedule, with bold and clear goals that will secure an even brighter future.

I have every confidence that our exceptional leadership team, our deans and directors, and our Board of Regents will come together behind a new leader, ensuring that Michigan’s extraordinary momentum continues to serve the people of Michigan and the world.

In the weeks ahead, I will work closely with the Chair of the Board of Regents to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

Best wishes,

Santa J. Ono
President