During a regular meeting on Friday, the University of Florida Board of Trustees unanimously approved a request by Chair Mori Hosseini to begin the search for the university’s 14th president.  

“The president of the University of Florida is one of the most influential and impactful positions in all of public higher education and in the state of Florida,” Hosseini said. “The opportunity to serve as the next president of UF represents an opportunity to lead Florida’s flagship university in its quest to be firmly and consistently recognized among the most prominent and influential public and private universities in the country.” 

Hosseini didn’t mention a timeline, but the vote gave him authority to retain a search consultant and executive compensation firm and provide direction to a UF search committee. Past searches have included community feedback meetings and lasted several months.

Hosseini said interim UF President Donald Landry plans to apply for the post, but he could also receive a hefty severance package if not selected.

UF has not had a permanent president in place since Ben Sasse took over the position in 2023. However, his stint as president was not long. 

After 17 months in the position, Sasse announced his resignation in July 2024, citing his wife’s health issues and a need to spend more time with family.  

Following Sasse’s resignation, Kent Fuchs, who had served as UF’s 12th president from 2015 to 2023, was selected as the university’s interim president while the Board of Trustees launched a national search for a permanent leader. 

The months-long search brought UF leaders to Santa Ono, who, at the time, was serving as the president of the University of Michigan. 

Ono was selected as the sole finalist for the president position in May and received unanimous support from the Board of Trustees. But that support was overturned by the Florida Board of Governors, who rejected Ono by way of a 10-6 vote in June.  

Ono’s rejection came when Fuchs’ interim contract was nearing an end. His agreement with the Board of Trustees had him serving in an interim capacity until July 31.  

Days before his contract was set to end, Fuchs agreed to a one-month extension as the Board of Trustees continued to searched for a temporary solution following Ono’s rejection.  

Fuchs’ revised contract had him serving in an interim capacity until Sept. 1. 

In August, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Landry, a Columbia University professor, as UF’s next interim president. His appointment was confirmed by the Board of Governors in September.  

Landry began his interim role at UF on Sept. 1. His contract includes a $2 million base salary, with a potential $500,000 bonus if he meets performance goals.  

If Landry is not chosen as UF’s permanent president when his contract expires on Aug. 31, 2026, he could also earn up to $2 million in severance through Aug. 31, 2027. 

Nick Anschultz is a Report for America corps member and writes about education for Mainstreet Daily News. This position is supported by local donations through the Community Catalyst for Local Journalism Fund at the Community Foundation of North Central Florida.