GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida President Ben Sasse announced Thursday night that he will resign from his position.
Sasse, a former U.S. senator from Nebraska, announced his resignation via X where he wrote an update on his wife’s health and what led to this decision, according to News 6 partner WJXT.
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The post reads in part:
“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 providence – she made an incredible comeback. In the years since – from Nebraska to DC to Florida – she kept our family grounded while I 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 struggling with a new batch of memory issues. It’s been hard, but we’ve faced it together.”
Sasse said that after “extensive prayer and lots of family tears” he asked the UF Chair Mori Hosseini and their Board of Trustees on Thursday to start the search for a new president of the university.
“I need to step back for a time and focus more on the needs of my family while we rebuild more stable household systems,” he wrote.
Dear Gator Nation and cherished friends,
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) July 19, 2024
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…
Sasse also said he plans to remain involved with the university and that he 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 advance on the national and international stage, benefiting our students, faculty, alumni, community and state. 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,” said Mori Hosseini, chair of the Board of Trustees.
Sasse has been president of the university since Feb. 6, 2023.
He will be leaving his position on July 31.
According to the university, the board will work “quickly” to announce an interim president and lay the foundation for the search for a new president.
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