Dr. Donald W. Landry Appointed Interim President of UF
Key Insights
Dr. Donald W. Landry, an accomplished medical researcher from Columbia University, has been unanimously appointed as the interim president of the University of Florida.
Landry's term begins on September 1, 2025, pending confirmation by Florida’s Board of Governors on September 10-11.
The appointment follows the rejection of a previous candidate, Dr. Santa Ono, by the Board of Governors, extending the search for a permanent president into 2026.
Landry has expressed his commitment to upholding academic excellence, free speech, and adhering to Florida’s laws, including those related to DEI.
Interim President Kent Fuchs’ contract was extended to ensure a smooth transition before Landry assumes his role.
Why this matters: The appointment of Dr. Landry provides UF with stable leadership during a critical period, ensuring the university continues its trajectory as a top public institution. His background and leadership experience are expected to benefit UF’s academic and research endeavors.
In-Depth Analysis
The University of Florida’s Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Dr. Donald W. Landry as interim president on August 25, 2025, to fill the leadership gap left after the departure of Ben Sasse and the subsequent rejection of Dr. Santa Ono. Dr. Landry, chair emeritus of Columbia University’s Department of Medicine, brings a wealth of experience in academia, research, and leadership.
Landry’s priorities include maintaining academic excellence and adhering to state laws, particularly concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He emphasized the importance of free speech and the rights to learn and teach during his address to the Board of Trustees.
The appointment is for an interim period, with the search for a permanent president expected to continue into 2026. The Board of Governors must still confirm Landry’s appointment, with a decision expected at their meeting on September 10-11.
UF’s previous interim president, Kent Fuchs, had his contract extended to ensure a seamless transition. Fuchs expressed confidence in the Board of Trustees and UF’s continued excellence during a Faculty Senate meeting on August 21, 2025.
FAQs
Q: Who is Donald W. Landry?
Dr. Donald W. Landry is an internationally renowned physician-scientist and chair emeritus of Columbia University’s Department of Medicine. He also served as the physician-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Q: Why was Dr. Landry appointed as interim president?
He was appointed to provide stable leadership to the University of Florida after the rejection of a previous candidate for the permanent position.
Q: When does his term begin?
His term begins on September 1, 2025, pending confirmation by the Board of Governors.
Q: What are his priorities?
His priorities include upholding academic excellence, free speech, and adhering to Florida’s laws, including those related to DEI.
Key Takeaways
Dr. Donald W. Landry has been appointed as the interim president of the University of Florida.
He will begin his term on September 1, 2025, pending approval from the Board of Governors.
Landry aims to maintain academic excellence and adhere to state laws, including those related to DEI.
The search for a permanent president is expected to continue into 2026.
Discussion
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