GAINESVILLE, Fla., August 25, 2025 – The University of Florida Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed Dr. Donald W. Landry as interim president, effective September 1, 2025. The appointment will go before the Florida Board of Governors for confirmation when it meets September 10–11.
Dr. Landry is chair emeritus of Columbia University’s Department of Medicine and Hamilton Southworth Professor at New York–Presbyterian/Columbia Medical Center. He also serves as president of the American Academy of Sciences and Letters and is a recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors.
During his tenure at Columbia, Landry oversaw substantial growth. Philanthropy quadrupled, federal research funding tripled, and the department rose to a No. 3 national ranking. Faculty numbers doubled, while clinical revenue and patient care operations expanded significantly, according to the university announcement.
His academic contributions extend beyond leadership. Landry’s research has explored artificial enzymes to treat cocaine addiction, the development of small-molecule drugs for neurological and cardiac diseases, oncology, and the discovery of vasopressin deficiency in shock states. He has authored more than 150 scientific publications and holds 50 U.S. patents. His national service includes membership on the President’s Council on Bioethics from 2008 to 2009 and election to the National Academy of Inventors in 2015.
Mori Hosseini, chair of UF’s Board of Trustees, praised Landry’s selection, describing him as “a highly accomplished scientist whose work is recognized around the world.” Hosseini said Landry has demonstrated “exceptional leadership in academia and beyond, building programs with innovation, energy and integrity,” according to the UF release.
For his part, Landry called the appointment “an extraordinary honor,” noting UF’s recent achievements and national reputation. He said he looks forward to working with faculty, staff, and students to build on what he described as “tremendous momentum” for the institution as one of the nation’s top public universities, according to the announcement.
The leadership change comes during a period of transition for the university. UF has been without a permanent president since Ben Sasse resigned in 2024. Kent Fuchs, who previously served as president, returned as interim leader in August 2024 and has overseen the university during the search process.
In May 2025, trustees selected Santa Ono, former president of the University of Michigan, as UF’s 14th president. However, the Board of Governors rejected Ono’s nomination in June by a 10–6 vote, an unusual step that drew national attention. Critics cited Ono’s past support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as his handling of campus protests, as reasons for opposition. The rejection forced the university to restart its presidential search process.
The Board of Governors’ upcoming vote will determine whether Landry formally assumes the interim presidency. If confirmed, he is expected to guide the university through the next phase of the search for a permanent president while maintaining stability at one of the nation’s top public research institutions.
