UF Launches National Search for New President
UF Begins Search for Its Next Leader
The University of Florida (UF) has taken a significant step in its quest to find a new leader. On December 16, the Board of Trustees announced the formation of a 15-member Presidential Search Advisory Committee. This committee will play a crucial role in guiding the national search for the university's 14th president.
The selection of this panel reflects a commitment to inclusivity and representation. The advisory committee includes members from various parts of the UF community and the broader State University System. Representatives from the board, faculty, students, alumni, administrators, and external stakeholders have all been brought together to ensure a well-rounded perspective during the search process.
A Diverse Group with Shared Goals
The composition of the committee is designed to bring together a wide range of voices and experiences. This diversity is essential in identifying a leader who can effectively guide the university into the future. By including individuals from different backgrounds and roles within the university, the committee aims to ensure that the next president will be someone who understands the needs and aspirations of the entire UF community.
This approach also highlights the importance of collaboration in the leadership process. Each member of the committee brings unique insights and perspectives that will contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of potential candidates. The goal is to find a leader who not only has the necessary qualifications but also aligns with the values and mission of the University of Florida.
Leadership Vision for the Future
The formation of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee marks a pivotal moment in UF's journey. It signals a commitment to finding a leader who can help the university achieve even greater recognition on both a national and global scale. The committee's work will involve identifying candidates who possess the vision, experience, and leadership qualities needed to steer the university through the challenges and opportunities of the future.
As the search progresses, the committee will engage in a thorough and transparent process. This will include outreach to potential candidates, evaluations of their qualifications, and consultations with various stakeholders. The ultimate aim is to select a president who can inspire and lead the university toward continued excellence and innovation.
The Role of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee
The responsibilities of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee are multifaceted. They will oversee the entire search process, ensuring that it is conducted efficiently and effectively. This includes developing criteria for evaluating candidates, conducting interviews, and making recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
In addition, the committee will serve as a liaison between the university community and the board. They will gather input from faculty, students, and other stakeholders to ensure that the search process is informed by the diverse perspectives within the university. This collaborative approach is essential in building trust and confidence in the selection of the next president.
Rahul Patel, vice chair of the UF Board of Trustees, has been appointed chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee.
The other members are:
- Charles Allison, UF alumnus and IFAS representative
- Douglas Band, UF alumnus
- David Brandon, UF trustee
- Rebecca Brock, president, UF Alumni Association
- Richard Cole, UF trustee
- Blake Cox, UF student body president
- Dr. Luisa Amelia Dempere, Faculty Senate chair and director of the Nanoscale Research Facility
- Dr. Kelly Foote, professor and co-director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases
- Ed Haddock, Florida Board of Governors member
- Shakira Henderson, dean and chief administrative officer, College of Nursing
- Daniel O’Keefe, UF trustee
- Dr. Li-Ming Su, the Pete and Carolyn Newsome Professor of Urologic Oncology and chair, Department of Urology
- Karen Unger, UF alumnus
- Bill Walton, UF donor
According to the release, "the committee will identify and recommend a select group of highly qualified candidates to the UF Board of Trustees." The board will interview the finalists and elect the university's next president.
The candidate then must be confirmed by the 17-member Board of Governors, the governing body for the State University System.
Five of those named to the 15-member committee — Allison, Band, Henderson, Patel and Unger — were part of the previous search committee that in May 2025 produced Dr. Santa Ono, then the president of the University of Michigan, as the sole finalist to be UF president.
The UF board quickly gave its approval of Ono but was stunned just a week later when the Board of Governors quashed his selection.
BOG members questioned Ono's past support of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs during his time leading UM, his views on holistic versus merit-based admissions, gender-affirming care, climate change and his response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also was asked about an encampment of pro-Palestine protesters that remained on the Michigan campus for a month, and his position on antisemitism.
In late August, UF announced that Dr. Donald Landry, a professor of medicine at Columbia University, would serve as the interim president. The BOG on Sept. 11 then unanimously approved Landry.
Hosseini said at a Dec. 4 Board of Trustees meeting that Landry plans to apply for the permanent position. As part of Landry's current contract, which pays him an annual base salary of $2 million, if he is not selected as UF's permanent president next year, he will receive severance pay in the amount of $2 million through Aug. 31, 2027.
This story contains information previously reported by The Sun.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: University of Florida restarts national search for new president
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