ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The University of Michigan on Wednesday named Santa Ono, president and vice chancellor of the University of British Columbia, to lead the university after its former president was fired in disgrace and it resolved a sexual assault scandal with a near half-a billion-dollar settlement.
Ono has led the Canadian school since 2016. Before that, he served as president of the University of Cincinnati and senior vice provost and deputy to the provost at Emory University in Georgia.
“I live to serve, and I believe in leading by example,” Ono said. “I will give 150% to the University of Michigan. As of today, I am proud to be a Michigan Wolverine.”
Ono takes over from Mary Sue Coleman, who is the Ann Arbor school’s interim president. His appointment was approved Wednesday in a unanimous vote by the eight-member board of regents. He is the university’s 15th president and was met with a standing ovation by the regents and those in attendance.
Ono, 59, will officially assume office Oct. 13.
Regent Denise Ilitch called it “a happy damn day.”
Regent Mark Bernstein said it was important to the regents that the new appointment appreciates the school's sporting prowess.
“Athletics is the front porch of our university. Any successful Michigan president needs to appreciate this fact," Bernstein told The Associated Press. "Santa Ono has a sober enthusiasm for big-time athletics. He fully understands challenges and opportunities of college athletics.”
Former President Mark Schlissel was removed earlier this year after emails were discovered detailing an alleged inappropriate relationship between him and a subordinate.
The board of regents then appointed Coleman, whom Schlissel succeeded as president in 2014.
The university has been rocked by allegations that...
