The University of Florida Board of Trustees held a virtual meeting Monday morning, where board members heard an update on the university’s search for a new interim president. 

At the conclusion of a virtual special meeting on July 23, Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini addressed UF’s ongoing presidential search. This followed the Board of Governors’ rejection of Dr. Santa Ono – the board’s sole finalist for the university’s next president – in June.  

During that meeting, Hosseini said UF is searching for an interim president and that it will “hopefully start a new presidential search in the coming year.” 

Kent Fuchs has been serving as UF’s current interim president since August 2024 after the resignation of former President Ben Sasse. This came after an eight-year stint serving as UF’s 12^th president. 

In returning to serve in an interim capacity, Fuchs and the Board of Trustees reached an employment agreement that would see him stay in the role for nearly a one-year term, ending on July 31. However, just days before his contract was set to expire, Fuchs agreed to a one-month contract extension that will keep him in the role until Sept. 1.  

During Monday’s meeting, Hosseini told board members that he is continuing the work of finding a candidate for the interim president position. 

“This has been a focus over the past few months, and I have taken a deliberate and heartfelt approach to this responsibility,” he said. “President Fuchs has been extremely gracious in extending his appointment. As soon as we have an interim president candidate, we will schedule an in-person board meeting to interview and consider the candidate for interim president.”  

Fuchs expressed his appreciation to the board later in the meeting. 

“I know that you all are not settling for just anyone that wants the position or that might be recommended,” he said. “You want the very best for the institution.” 

In July, UF spokesperson Steve Orlando told Mainstreet that the university plans to launch a new presidential search “somewhere in the first quarter of 2026.” 

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.