President Santa J. Ono “really hit the ground running” in his first year as the University of Michigan’s top executive, according to the Board of Regents, which praised him for “constantly rebuilding trust with his empathetic style.”
Regents on Oct. 19 awarded Ono a 4% raise and a one-time $50,000 bonus for what Regent Denise Ilitch described as “a job well done.” The increase brings the president’s annual salary to $1.014 million as he begins his second year in the role.
In sharing the results of the president’s annual performance review, Ilitch listed a number of accomplishments. They included building relationships with key stakeholders, establishing new channels for students to provide feedback to the administration and hiring or retaining several key university leaders, including Provost Laurie McCauley, Chief of Staff Jon Kinsey and Richie Hunter, vice president for communications.
Ilitch also lauded Ono for establishing the Ethics, Integrity, and Compliance Office. The office will help units coordinate EIC activities and respond to compliance guidance questions, advise the president and other leaders on EIC issues, and coordinate with key stakeholders to develop and track employee training.
“He established a culture of listening and feedback,” Ilitch said. “Transparent and engaged decision making is a hallmark of his leadership style and an expectation of all leadership team members.”
Ono thanked the board after the announcement.
“All of these things were accomplished because of the great leadership team that has come together,” Ono said. “I’ve had a chance to work with board members and regents and leadership members and vice presidents at different institutions, and I really believe this is a great team.
“It’s a joy to come to work every day,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud to be a part of the University of Michigan.”
