Former Nebraska U.S. Senator Ben Sasse announced Thursday that he will be resigning from his current position as President of the University of Florida effective July 31, 2024.
Sasse has served as the university’s 13th president for nearly two years, after resigning his Senate seat in January of 2023 to take the job.
He asked the UF Board of Trustees this week to begin searching for a new president, citing the recent epilepsy diagnosis of his wife, Melissa, as well as “a new batch of memory issues.”
“From Nebraska to DC to Florida – she kept our family grounded while I missed too many family dinners, little league games, hugs, and tears. She’s the strongest person I know. We’ve battled some nasty seizures the last couple years, but she’s always remained a warrior,” said Sasse in an official announcement.
“We’re facing it together,” Sasse continued. “Gator Nation needs a president who can keep charging hard, Melissa deserves a husband who can pull his weight, and my kids need a dad who can be home many more nights. I need to step back and rebuild more stable household systems for a time.”
As of now, Sasse has no plans to move back to the Cornhusker state, and will continue to reside in Gainesville as President Emeritus and a professor.
“The Board of Trustees thanks Dr. Sasse for his service to the University of Florida,” said Mori Hosseini, chair of the Board of Trustees. “He has left a lasting impact on the university and all of those associated with it. We wish Ben all the best as he steps back to focus on his family.”
The Board says they will work quickly to announce an interim president and lay the foundation for the search for a new President of UF,
Sasse’s full resignation announcement issued via social media is available below.
Dear Gator Nation and cherished friends,
This isn’t an easy note to write but wanted to give you an update on our family. As many of you know, my wife Melissa suffered an aneurysm and series of strokes in 2007. Back then, the docs prepared us for the worst, but – in God’s…
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) July 19, 2024