ORLANDO, Fla. – In a recent episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate, attorney and philanthropist John Morgan didn’t mince words when it came to his alma mater, the University of Florida, and its recent leadership under former President Ben Sasse.
In a candid conversation with hosts Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin, Morgan shared his deep disappointment with how Sasse handled his role and his abrupt exit from UF.
Morgan’s frustration centers on what he views as cronyism in Florida’s higher education system, a trend he believes is turning universities into a “cesspool of waste.”
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Morgan’s disillusionment with UF started when Sasse, a former U.S. Senator, was appointed as president of the university. Sasse recently stepped down, July 31, but not without securing a substantial financial package, which left Morgan fuming.
“You get a million dollars to do nothing after ripping off the university the way he did,” Morgan said. “I just don’t understand it. The problem in Florida is all of our university presidents are now cronies.”
Sasse was appointed president of UF in February of 2023.
He noted that while political appointees as university presidents aren’t always bad, praising former Florida State University (FSU) president John Thrasher as “great for FSU,” he sees the trend of appointing politicians over qualified academic leaders as troubling. For Morgan, the focus of leadership at these institutions has shifted too far away from educational value and into the realm of political favor-trading.
In a broader criticism of the state’s higher education system, Morgan lamented the quality and relevance of many university programs.
“Half of the classes are BS,” he said, calling out frivolous courses that, in his view, provide little value to students. He recounted some of the classes he took as a student, such as “the meat we eat” and “theater appreciation,” wondering aloud if they had any real significance.
Beyond the academic curriculum, Morgan expressed concern over the excessive spending within universities, specifically pointing to Sasse’s lavish expenditures during his short tenure at UF.
“$17 million in his first year, triple the guy who was before him,” Morgan said, describing the high salaries given to Sasse’s Washington, D.C. friends who didn’t even relocate to Florida. “It’s cronyism, taking care of all of my friends.”
Morgan’s displeasure with UF’s leadership has had a direct impact on his future donations to the school. Though he had previously donated significant amounts to the law school, Morgan now vows to withhold further contributions.
“I’m sour on it, because if you’re not going to be a good steward of your money, you’re not going to get my money,” he explained.
Instead, Morgan said he would rather donate to causes where he knows the funds will be used effectively, like the Morgan & Morgan Hunger Relief Center at Second Harvest or other charitable organizations.
“I’d much rather give my money to places where I know it’s going,” Morgan said.
Despite his criticisms, Morgan’s outlook on education isn’t entirely bleak. When discussing the revelations about Sasse’s leadership and overspending, he praised the young journalist who uncovered the story for The Independent Florida Alligator, UF’s student newspaper.
“This is going to get you a big job,” Morgan recalled telling the student journalist, adding, “I’m proud for you. I’m proud for your parents.”
While Morgan may have soured on UF’s administration, his belief in the power of investigative journalism and education remains intact, as he looks for accountability and transparency in all institutions, including his beloved alma mater.
Matt and Ginger Wanted to end the podcast with Morgan on a lighter note so they put him through a round of rapid fire questions.
No surprise, but Morgan was ready and opened up about some personal and funny things in his life.
We asked him who he would trade places with for a day?
Without hesitation, Morgan answered, “Bruce Springsteen.”
The rock legend’s influence on Morgan is clear – he admires not just Springsteen’s music, but the life he represents.
Morgan joked that if he weren’t an attorney, “I’d be Bruce Springsteen,” suggesting that music, freedom, and the ability to connect with people are qualities he truly values.
What’s your your guilty pleasure?
Morgan’s answer was heartwarming and deeply personal: “My granddaughter, Grace. I can’t get enough of her. I think about her all day.”
For a man with such a busy and successful career, it’s clear that family-especially his grandchildren-holds a special place in his heart.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Morgan recalled one of his most daring ventures: Building an upside-down house on International Drive in Orlando.
“In 1995, I decided to build an upside-down house. I knew nothing about the attraction business,” Morgan shared.
Despite having no experience in the industry and very little money at the time, the project became a huge success.
“Years later, I’ve got them all over the country, no debt, and I have EBITDA of $33 million a year,” he said. His leap of faith into the unknown turned into one of his most successful investments.
What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?
Morgan shared a personal anecdote about a pivotal moment in his life. When he was making a lot of money selling Yellow Pages ads, his father advised him not to leave the job.
“He said, ‘How are you going to leave this money?” Morgan explained.
At the time, he was making nearly $70,000 a year-an impressive sum for 1979, but he ultimately chose to go to law school instead.
“My first year as a lawyer, I made $16,000,” he admitted.
Despite the initial pay cut, Morgan is grateful he didn’t take that advice, as it set him on the path to his legal career and long-term success.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
For Morgan, the greatest compliment isn’t about his professional achievements – it’s about his children.
“I can’t believe how great your children are”, he recalled people telling him. With three of his sons working as lawyers in his firm, Morgan takes pride in raising kind, successful, and polite children.
“That was job one. That’s the job I worried about the most,” he said, emphasizing the importance of family.
What makes you laugh every time?
When asked what never fails to make him laugh, Morgan’s answer was simple:
“Jonathan Winters.” The late comedian’s skits with Johnny Carson remain a source of joy for Morgan. “I just can’t get enough,” he said, revealing his love for classic comedy.
What would you like your grandkids to remember about you?
Reflecting on his legacy, Morgan said he hopes his grandkids remember him for his compassion.
“I hope they say, ‘He was merciful,’” he shared. For Morgan, the value of mercy stands above even justice. “There’s not enough mercy in the world,” he said, underscoring the importance of kindness and empathy in both his personal and professional life.
Morgan then turned the tables on Ginger and Matt and had some rapid fire questions of his own.
We won’t bore you with their answers but if you really want to know what they said you can watch the entire episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: