Former University of Michigan president, Dr. Santa Ono, saw his candidacy to become the next president at the University of Florida rejected Tuesday by the state board of governors amid backlash from Republicans.

Santa Ono resigned his job at the University of Michigan last month when he was named the sole finalist for the top job at the University of Florida.

Ex-University of Michigan President Santa Ono was rejected as the new University of Florida leader. An expert said it shows "growing politicization."