UF Taps Columbia's Donald Landry as Interim President
Big news out of the University of Florida today: Dr. Donald W. Landry, a world-renowned medical researcher from Columbia University, has been unanimously appointed as the university’s interim president. The decision was made by the UF Board of Trustees, and his term is set to officially begin on September 1, 2025, pending confirmation from Florida’s Board of Governors, which is expected to meet on September 10-11.
Dr. Landry isn’t just any academic—he’s a powerhouse in medicine and research. He’s the chair emeritus of Columbia University’s Department of Medicine, the president of the American Academy of Sciences and Letters, and a recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal, which is the nation’s second-highest civilian honor. His career is filled with remarkable achievements, and he brings decades of experience leading top-tier academic institutions. Under his guidance at Columbia, the department’s philanthropy quadrupled, NIH funding tripled, and faculty numbers doubled. Clinical revenues reached record highs, establishing Columbia as a national leader in research, teaching, and patient care.
UF’s Board of Trustees Chair, Mori Hosseini, praised Landry’s appointment, highlighting his exceptional leadership, innovative mindset, and integrity. “Dr. Landry has shown outstanding leadership in academia and beyond,” Hosseini said. “I am confident that he will bring those same talents to the University of Florida in service to students, faculty, and the people of this great state.”
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Dr. Landry himself expressed excitement and honor at the opportunity. He emphasized the university’s incredible progress over the last decade and voiced his eagerness to work with UF’s faculty, staff, and students to build on that momentum. He described UF as a “preeminent university in a preeminent state,” calling this role a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Beyond administration, Landry is an accomplished scientist. His research spans artificial enzymes for cocaine addiction, small molecule drug development in neurology, cardiology, and oncology, and the discovery of vasopressin deficiency in vasodilatory shock states. Over his career, he’s published more than 150 scientific articles and holds 50 U.S. patents. His academic pedigree is equally impressive, earning a Ph.D. under Nobel laureate R.B. Woodward at Harvard and an M.D. from Columbia, followed by residency at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School.
His appointment comes after a period of turbulence in UF leadership. The previous interim president, Kent Fuchs, had his contract extended temporarily following the Florida Board of Governors’ unexpected rejection of Dr. Santa Ono, who had been selected as UF’s 14th president. This makes Landry’s leadership particularly crucial as the university navigates this transitional period.
Dr. Landry has also spoken about the importance of meritocracy, the integrity of UF’s athletics programs, and fostering an environment that prioritizes excellence in research, teaching, and clinical care. He has a clear vision of aligning the university’s values with practical, results-driven leadership.
With his track record of transformative leadership and groundbreaking research, Dr. Landry’s tenure as interim president is expected to provide stability and fresh energy as UF continues its search for a permanent president, likely beginning in early 2026. For now, all eyes will be on how this accomplished physician-scientist shapes the future of one of Florida’s top public universities.
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