GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The University of Florida Board of Trustees chair is standing by the decision to select Dr. Santa Ono to be the next university president, following his rejection this week by the state board.

Ono faced intense questioning during a meeting of the Florida Board of Governors. Ultimately, Ono’s appointment was rejected in a 10-6 vote of the board.

RELATED: UF president pick Santa Ono rejected by Florida Board of Governors

University of Florida Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini described the move as “unprecedented” in the history of the state Board of Governors during a meeting on Thursday. He reiterated his support for Ono.

“The symbolism and substance of a sitting president of a university as prestigious as the University of Michigan choosing to come to

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