University of Florida President Ben Sasse Announces Resignation

Dr. Ben Sasse is stepping down as president at the University of Florida.

Dr. Ben SasseThe former U.S. Senator of Nebraska announced his resignation effective July 31, following his wife Melissa’s epilepsy diagnosis.

“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,” said Sasse. “I need to step back and rebuild more stable household systems for a time. I’m going to remain involved in serving our UF students — past, present, and future — but I need to walk arm-in-arm with my dearest friend more hours of every week.”

Sasse, a Republican, served nearly two years as the university’s 13th president.

The university’s board of trustees plans to announce an interim president and search for a new president soon.

Board Chair Mori Hosseini thanked Sasse for his service to the university.