President Santa Ono leaving UBC to take up new role

A message from Nancy McKenzie, Chair, UBC Board of Governors

It is with mixed emotions that I am writing to announce that President Santa Ono will be leaving UBC in mid-October to become President of the University of Michigan. On behalf of the UBC Board of Governors, I would like to express our deep gratitude to President Ono for his six years of leadership at UBC, and congratulate him on this appointment.

Through his dedication and commitment, President Ono has led the development and implementation of many significant initiatives at the university. These include UBC’s Strategic Plan: Shaping UBC’s Next Century; initiating an academic renewal program through the President’s Academic Excellence Initiative; raising more than $217 million in scholarships for students through the Blue and Gold Campaign; launching the Indigenous Strategic Plan and UBC’s commitment to lead in Truth and Reconciliation and implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and, establishing the Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence task force to address systemic racism. Together with our students, faculty and staff, the university declared a climate emergency, and created an ambitious climate action plan. In addition, President Ono has led the university as it navigates the global pandemic, keeping the community safe and maintaining financial stability, while ensuring UBC continues to deliver excellence in its academic mission.

Read the full message