University of Florida President Ben Sasse Announces Resignation to Focus on Family

GAINESVILLE, Florida – University of Florida President Ben Sasse announced Thursday night that he will resign from his position.

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Sasse, a former U.S. senator from Nebraska, announced his resignation via X where he posted an update on his wife’s health and what led to the decision.

The message reads in part:

“As many of you know, my wife Melissa suffered an aneurysm and a series of strokes in 2007. At the time, doctors prepared us for the worst, but—thanks to God’s providence—she made an incredible comeback. In the years since—from Nebraska to Washington to Florida—she has kept our family grounded while I have missed too many family dinners, little league games, hugs, and tears,” he wrote. “In recent months, Melissa has been diagnosed with epilepsy and has been dealing with a new round of memory issues. It’s been tough, but we’ve gotten through it together.”

Sasse said that after “much prayer and many family tears,” he asked UF President Mori Hosseini and his board of trustees on Thursday to begin a search for a new university president.

“I need to step back for a while and focus more on the needs of my family while we rebuild more stable family systems,” he wrote.

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Sasse also said he plans to stay involved with the university and will continue to teach classes.

“The Board of Trustees thanks Dr. Sasse for his service to the University of Florida. Under his leadership, UF has continued to grow nationally and internationally, benefiting our students, faculty, alumni, community and state. He has left a lasting mark on the university and all associated with it. We wish Ben all the best as he steps back to focus on his family,” said Mori Hosseini, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

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Sasse served as president for nearly two years after becoming the university’s 13th president, appointed in November 2022.

He will leave his post on July 31.

According to the university, the board will work “expeditiously” to announce an interim president and lay the groundwork for a search for a new president.