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The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
University of Florida board rejects hiring Michigan's president after he changed DEI policy to appease Trump
The board that oversees Florida's state university system voted against hiring Dr. Santa Ono, the former president of the University of Michigan, after he seemingly switched his stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion to appease President Donald Trump. The State University System Board of Governors' 6-10 vote against Ono came after hours of contentious debate and grilling of the academic over his previous position on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Ono, who received unanimous approval from the University of Florida Board of Trustees, was mainly questioned Tuesday about his recently changed stance on DEI, and how he would uphold Florida's agenda against DEI. The longtime academic's proposed contract included ideological requirements. In the role, he would be forced to cooperate with Gov. Ron DeSantis' Office of Government Efficiency and appoint other university officials who are 'firmly aligned' with Florida's approach. Ono was the sole finalist for the job, which would have paid him a $3 million annual package that included a $1.5 million base salary, the Florida Phoenix reported. However, on Tuesday, members of the board of governors were fixated on Ono's suddenly different stance on DEI, with some calling into question whether he switched sides to appease Trump or simply to get the gig. 'It's insidious that it feels like pushing a rope uphill when we establish these policies, if a president doesn't really believe in those policies,' Board of Governors Vice Chair Alan Levine said during the meeting in Orlando. 'And it's a powerful position — you can be an inhibitor, or you can help advance. And so I guess so much of your record reflects your deeply held beliefs, that you have been an advocate of DEI up until recently.' Ono had supported DEI initiatives at the University of Michigan until shuttering some of its programs earlier this year — a move some thought had to do with Trump's stripping of federal funding from universities. 'It looks to me like you got rid of the program because you needed to do what you had to do with the president's orders and the funding issues. But you didn't really push to get rid of DEI,' Levine said. Ono repeatedly told the board that he began looking at DEI when he took office at Michigan, instead of after Trump's executive order against it. He claimed he developed a new stance in the last year and a half after talking with students, and said that before, he was not an expert on the subject. Even still, his record left many conservative politicians unimpressed, including Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, who wrote on X that it seemed Ono 'is willing to appease and prioritize far-left activists over ensuring students are protected and receive a quality education.' Other members of the GOP raising objections to Ono's hiring included Donald Trump Jr., Florida Republican U.S. Reps. Byron Donalds, Greg Steube and Jimmy Patronis. Ono was also questioned Tuesday by former Republican state House speakers Paul Renner and Jose Oliva, who wondered whether Ono changed his stance just to secure the Florida job. 'Now we are told to believe you are now abandoning an entire ideological architecture,' Oliva said. 'We are asking someone to lead our flagship university. I don't understand how it becomes unfair.' The intense degree of questioning from governors was not standard procedure, and it was the first time they had rejected a president, the Orlando Sentinel reported. Ono previously defended his change of heart in Inside Higher Ed, writing that he supported DEI at first because he thought the aim was 'equal opportunity and fairness for every student.' 'But over time, I saw how DEI became something else – more about ideology, division and bureaucracy, not student success,' Ono wrote. 'I believe in Florida's vision for higher education.' Now, the months-long search will have to restart. The University of Florida remains without a permanent president, with former UF President Kent Fuchs holding the role in the interim.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Don't let politics rule UF president decision. Just look at New College.
The Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System under a constitutional amendment passed in 2002, faces an unprecedented situation as it makes a decision on whether to ratify the University of Florida's choice of Santa Ono as the school's new president. While the UF board was unanimous in supporting Ono, vocal opposition to his candidacy has come from a trustee of another institution overseen by the State University System – New College of Florida. And that New College trustee is Christopher Rufo, the provocative commentator best known for his social media and blog posts. The Board of Governors should take this opportunity to look past the headlines and benchmark how New College has actually fared under the watch of leaders like Rufo. It should do so by using standard state metrics over the past two-plus years – because these metrics show New College has been a debacle under Richard Corcoran, the president Rufo helped to install at the school's leader. It's a warning for the Board of Governors as it decides the fate of UF. Every June, all Florida state universities send their annual statistics – known as "the metrics" – to the Board of Governors in a standardized format as part of their annual planning. The latest annual release of metrics for New College is grim, and particularly so when it comes to incoming first-year students who enter the college directly from high school. For example, from fall 2022 to fall 2024, there has been: A decrease in the percentage of incoming students with a 4.0 grade point average (from 55% to 42%). A decrease in the percentage of incoming students who finished in the top 10% of their high school graduating classes (from 29% to 14%). A decrease in the average SAT score of incoming first-year New College students (from 1233 to 1153). And while New College continues to tout increased total enrollment, from fall 2022 to fall 2024 the number of freshmen – those going directly from high school to New College – only increased by 28. The other 150 new students were transfer students Indeed, the number of "first time in college" students at New College actually declined from fall 2023 to 2024. Many of these transfer students aren't from Florida, and many aren't even coming to New College from the United States. Just look at the lengthy roster of New College's 2024-25 men's soccer team: Based on their "home country" listings, the overwhelming majority of team members are from countries outside the United States – and some have come from distant nations like France, Ghana, Brazil and Australia. All of this is taking place at an incredible cost – literally. According to annual Florida CFO Reports on Component Units, expenses at New College have exploded. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, New College's expenses were $60 million; they were $94 million during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. But after spending all of these additional millions, New College has only added around 180 students. The New College debacle isn't a result of a change in policy. For example. the school's elimination of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office was largely a non-issue: In February 2023 I personally spoke in favor of eliminating the DEI office at New College, both because of my own negative experiences with it and to make the point that it wasn't actually important to the school. More: New College of Florida 2025 graduation marks achievement and endurance However, the New College debacle is a result of a change in management: Corcoran had no background as a higher education leader when he was hired by Rufo and other trustees, and his lack of experience continues to negatively impact the school. For example, the New College board didn't tell Corcoran to boost enrollment through a shambolic athletics program. Corcoran did that on his own initiative, and even recruiting large numbers of student-athletes hasn't worked out the way he'd hoped. That's because student-athletes don't simply want spots on team rosters; they want actual playing time, and that's much more difficult to attain when so many other athletes have been recruited to those teams. It's the kind of thing someone with higher educational experience might have known. Mistakes like these could be seen as growing pains for the "new" New College; indeed, during a 2023 interview, Rufo compared the approach at New College to remodeling a kitchen. 'You do the demo," Rufo said, "then you do the build." More: New College picked wrong guy for commencement speaker. Here are 5 better options. | Opinion But it was an astonishing analogy, and it displayed Rufo's lack of understanding that for generations New College students – most of them from Florida – had been attracted to the school precisely because of the unique academic system that previously existed. And in terms of course offerings, very little has truly changed at New College. The horrible statistics, embarrassments and anecdotes coming from New College should serve as blinking red warning lights for the Board of Governors as it weighs the fate of UF. The first warning: A university needs a university administrator, or it will fall apart. The second warning: It is Florida's families who lose when Florida's public universities are mismanaged because out-of-state trustees are prioritizing scoring points on social media over examining data – and over doing the hard work of accountability and governing. It's not too late to put New College under real leadership or even to fold its unique academic program into another institution. And this is certainly no time to replicate Rufo's destructive failure of oversight at New College at the University of Florida. Mike Sanderson is a New College of Florida alum. He is the former editor of The Catalyst, New College of Florida's student newspaper. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Don't let UF repeat New College of Florida's bad lessons | Opinion
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
UWF President Martha Saunders 'made the Pensacola community a better place to live'
The principle, 'Leave things better than you found them,' perfectly describes Martha Saunders's tenure as president of the University of West Florida. Saunders, who has been UWF's leader since 2017 and is the longest-serving president in the State University System, announced Monday, she was stepping down from the post. During her time as president, she championed the creation of more than 20 new academic programs, including offerings in cybersecurity, mechanical engineering and an Intelligent Systems and Robotics Ph.D. program in collaboration with the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. To those who know and work with Saunders, she is so much more. 'Dr. Saunders was an exceptionally fine administrator and equally fine academic. We both studied communication as a vocation, and she was exceptionally fine teacher,' recalled Jerry Maygarden, a former Pensacola mayor, city council member and member of the Florida House of Representatives. 'We team taught a course last term, sharing the teaching load. She paid attention to detail and had a keen interest in the students. She is going to be tremendously missed by faculty, staff and students, I hope she will return to the faculty going forward but that remains to be seen.' University of West Florida: President Martha Saunders resigns Maygarden also noted the university's enrollment growth under Saunders's leadership. Defying national trends, UWF achieved record enrollment every year since 2021 − a 14% increase over the past five years. 'We're nearing 15,000 students, that's larger than the University of Notre Dame in Indiana,' Maygarden said. 'We're in the Panhandle − an area not associated with a large population − surrounded by the state of Alabama and the Gulf of America, and still experienced steady growth with her as the leader.' Alonzie Scott, who serves on the UWF Board of Trustees, said Saunders will likely be remembered as one of the university's best presidents. 'I came on board almost seven years ago, and we've seen enrollment increase every year, not one year, but every year of Dr. Saunders's presidency,' he said, echoing Maygarden. 'We've also launched the engineering program, and our campus housing is in the 90th percentile for student occupancy – nationwide.' Scott also spoke about the growth of the university's intercollegiate athletic programs, which are among the best in Division II. 'She's also hired exceptional faculty and staff members, who are focused on helping students get jobs when they graduate or become entrepreneurs,' Scott said, adding Saunders' replacement will have some big shoes to fill. Some other UWF achievements under Saunders tutelage include: UWF becoming a top-performing public university in the Florida Board of Governors performance-based funding metrics Spearheaded the establishment of UWF's Center for Cybersecurity Oversaw the development of Florida's first bachelor's in cybersecurity degree program designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security The launching of a civil engineering program this fall Construction of the Darrell Gooden Center, the Lab Sciences Annex and the Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center Ranking in the top 15 public regional institutions in the South by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges for five consecutive years Multiple national military-friendly institution designations Grown UWF's investment pool by 50%, providing financial stability and opportunities for future growth Under Saunders's leadership, UWF also has met or exceeded every performance standard set by the state, said Sen. Don Gaetz. 'UWF graduates have the best chance to obtain employment over any other higher education institution in the state. All of that is because of Martha Saunders' commitment and capability. She leaves the University of West Florida in triumph,' Gaetz said. Scott agreed. 'Whoever comes in behind Dr. Saunders, if they are not looking to raise the performance standards we have today or if any of these metrics drop, the community needs to hold them accountable because that person is not doing the job they're supposed to be doing in the position,' said Scott, the first Black senior executive in the 79-year history of the Office of Naval Research. Sandy Sansing, a UWF alum and supporter, said Saunders did a phenomenal job representing and leading UWF. 'From the students, faculty and alumni, everyone I know totally loved and respected her for the job she did. I am so pleased for the wonderful way she improved every metrics that the state mandated and led UWF to the top,' Sansing said. Elizabeth Turner-Ward, a UWF alum and current graduate student, said Saunders fostered a community focused on excellence. 'It's a community where students from all walks of life felt welcomed into. It has been a community that pushed everyone to be their best together,' said Turner-Ward. 'The types of programs Dr. Saunders pushed with high-impact practices and undergraduate research have made a significant impact on students' careers and lives. I am grateful I've gotten to attend the university under her leadership, and I greatly admire her. She will be missed by the student body.' Turner-Ward said Saunders has shown great dignity during recent challenging situations. Saunders' commitment to students' success extended beyond UWF. Pensacola State College President Ed Meadows praised Saunders for assisting with the college's Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity. 'Before Martha become the UWF president, she was the vice president of academic affairs and she helped clear the path for us to receive approval for our bachelor's degree in cybersecurity,' Meadows recalled, adding the two also worked together on several articulation agreements including the PSC2UWF Student Partnership Program. 'I have always enjoyed Martha's humor and wit, particularly in meetings with her and Pensacola Christian College president when we talked about how to be better partners in our community. Those meeting were always held with the goal of providing what is best for students, and I have always appreciated her for that.' Saunders made the Pensacola community a better place to live, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. 'Dr. Saunders didn't just keep momentum at the UWF, she made an aspirational vision – higher performance, bigger enrollment and unprecedented success – a reality,' he said. 'Her legacy will always be defined by success, strength and the fact that she ushered UWF to unprecedented heights.' Suzanne Lewis, a former UWF trustee who serve on the board for 14 years, said Saunders' brought innovative programs to the university such as giving undergraduate students access to research studies and internships. 'Giving students the opportunity to participate in internships in their fields of study improved their chances of being hired after graduation,' said Lewis, who added Saunders' communication skills made her relatable to UWF students, faculty, staff and community members. 'She was always responsive to the community. I think the community, as a whole, will show Martha their gratitude for all the things she has done,' Lewis said. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: University of West Florida President Martha Saunders resigns
Miami Herald
27-03-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
When Florida legislators help fund private universities, it pays off for the state
It is budget season in Tallahassee — time for Florida legislators, now in session, to remember that the state makes money when it spends on private higher education, not just on public schools. State legislative funding supports critical research programs and infrastructure upgrades at private universities. Florida's financial help is crucial. I know. I am president of one of South Florida's private universities, St. Thomas in Miami Gardens. A state legislative penny spent offsetting tuition for those majoring in jobs Florida needs most, such as nursing, is imperative for a prepared workforce. One financial lifeline for private colleges such as St. Thomas is the Effective Access to Student Education, better known as the EASE grant program, for students attending private, nonprofit colleges and universities. In the 2022 academic year alone, each state dollar spent on the program generated $3.83 or a 283% return, a group of Tampa economists recently found. EASE offers a modest $1,750-per-semester tuition grant per student, but it helps fund college degrees that vault members of Florida's lowest-income families into the middle class. State investments to improve private colleges help the whole state and even the State University System, which can neither serve every Floridian who wants to attend college nor produce enough graduates in critical fields such as science, technology and engineering. Today, 30 nonprofit schools in Florida, including St. Thomas, comprise the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida or ICUF. Together, ICUF and the SUS served 510,420 undergraduate and graduate students in Florida in 2022. ICUF institutions educated nearly one in three Florida college students while addressing critical statewide labor issues such as the Sunshine State's nursing shortage. Nursing was the second most popular major at ICUF's 30 institutions in 2022, behind only business administration. According to the Florida Hospital Association, Florida must hire 11,500 more registered nurses and 5,600 more licensed practical nurses. The FHA estimates those nurse deficits will grow to 37,400 (a 12% shortage) for RNs and 21,700 LPNs (a 30% shortage) by federal government expects the national nursing supply to fall by 6% for RNs (207,980) and 36% for LPNs (302,440). Exacerbating the shortage, research shows that 100,000 RNs left the field from 2020 to 2021 – the steepest decline in 40 years. Legislative appropriations made directly to individual private Florida universities are another critical financial lifeline. Take just one example in South Florida's economy. In 2019, the Florida Legislature provided St. Thomas University with $1 million to support operational enhancements to the university's nursing program. STU now projects it will serve 2,000 nursing students by spring 2026, up from a mere 13 students in 2017, and STU's overall enrollment has rocketed to 7,660 students, a 78% increase from 4,302 students seven years. More students translate to more money for Florida. With that in mind, the university just announced plans to build a state-of-the-art, 99,000-square-foot nursing and STEM building, while requesting $3.5 million from Florida's Legislature to jump-start the project. STU estimates the total capital outlay for our new nursing school building could potentially be worth at least 16 times the university's requested state investment. Private colleges produce tax-paying workers who commonly earn more than public college graduates in the long term and often stay in Florida. In 2022, for example, ICUF colleges created 321,624 jobs in Florida. Back in South Florida, a new Florida TaxWatch study of St. Thomas University found its 2023 class will generate 7,519 Florida jobs and $419.6 million in lifetime earnings while paying $80 million in taxes. St. Thomas is just one university, but its presence directly leads to 1,000 local jobs and $56.4 million in personal income annually. From small class sizes to flexible scheduling and faith-based values, private colleges offer benefits that state schools cannot always match. Florida lawmakers should continue to fund private universities because each state legislative penny spent leads to many more dollars earned to help Florida's future. David A. Armstrong is president of St. Thomas University, vice chairman of the board of ICUF and a nationally recognized expert speaker on higher education law, trends and Title IX.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Education a key focus for lawmakers, DeSantis in 2025 state budget
TALLAHASEE, Fla. (WFLA) — Governor Ron DeSantis is urging lawmakers to consider his state budget proposal one month before they are back in Tallahassee to begin the 2025 legislative session. Education will be a key focus of the budget, with lawmakers in both parties paying close safety, tuition, and teacher pay are all top priorities for lawmakers at the statehouse. Crowd gathers in downtown Tampa for anti-Trump protest 'Teacher pay, teacher pay, teacher pay. Our teachers continue to be under funded in (the) state of Florida, alongside public school administrators, and this is leading to thousands of vacancies across the state of Florida that is fundamental to the success of our state,' said State Representative Anna V. Eskamani. 'We can't have a top tier workforce without investing in our kids and their education. That's a big priority for me.' DeSantis says among all education initiatives; teacher pay is one of his proudest proposals. 'We are now proposing a $1.5 billion teacher pay categorical. Which locks in the gains and then adds about one fourth of a billion dollars on top of what we've already done,' he said.$1.5 billion, an increase of $246.7 million, in funding that must be used toprovide salary increases for eligible teachers and other instructional personnel. $1.76 billion in funding for early child education, including a total of $465.8million for Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) initiatives. Historic $29.7 billion in funding, of which $16.1 billion is record state funding forthe K-12 public school system.o This covers the costs associated with the current projected enrollment ofover 3.2 million students, including almost 358,000 students projected toparticipate in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program. $1.7 billion in state operating funding for the Florida College System. $3.9 billion in state operating funding for the State University System. $130 million in total funding to reward quality nursing education programs toaddress nursing vacancies. $100 million for the State University System for the recruitment and retention ofhighly qualified faculty. Republican lawmakers add that in the budget the state has to continue to support not just our teachers, but law enforcement, firefighters, and student coaches.'In the education area, in addition to just teachers, I'd like to see more focus on our coaches. Our coaches are some of the lowest paid coaches in the entire country. A top paid coach in Florida makes around $6,000 a year,' said State Representative Adam Anderson. 'And if we think about the benefits our coaches provide to our student athletes and our students, it extends far beyond the football field and the baseball field.' But while lawmakers agree on teacher quality, there may be underlying issues at play. 'It's important to note, just how many different types of culture war pet projects are in this budget. Governor DeSantis is suggesting more money being spent on evaluating different types of programs he doesn't like (in) the higher education space,' Eskamani said. While it is required by the Constitution for the governor to make budget proposals, it's up to state lawmakers to decide what's in and what's out. The legislative session begins on March 4, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
