University of Florida President Ben Sasse steps down, cites wife's health concerns

University of Florida President Ben Sasses has stepped down, he announced on social media Thursday night. Sasse’s wife is dealing with health problems and in what he called a “hard decision” for the entire family, he decided to move away from the position. Sasse cited the need to be there for not just his wife but also his three daughters.

July 31 will be the final day Sasse works at Florida and his stepping down will become official. A search for a new president is now underway in Gainesville, with the Board of Trustees getting the process started immediately.

“This isn’t an easy note to write but wanted to give you an update on our family,” Sasse said in a statement via X. “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. She’s the strongest person I know. We’ve battled some nasty seizures the last couple years, but she’s always remained a warrior.

“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. A lot of late nights, a lot of hard decisions, and a lotta “what matters most?” conversations. Our two wonderful daughters are in college, but our youngest is just turning 13. I’ve got two spectacular callings in life right now: First, I’m a husband and dad. Second, I’ve been blessed to serve as president of the best dang public university in America – Go Gators! – and I’ve loved the challenge of giving this university everything I’ve got. But here’s the bottom line: Those callings are significantly at odds with each other right now. 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.

“After extensive prayer and lots of family tears, I today asked UF Chair Mori Hosseini and our Board of Trustees to initiate a 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.”

Sasse did not have a background in academic administration before becoming Florida’s president. He worked in politics and was elected to the US Senate in 2014, serving nearly two terms. Sasse was then one of 12 candidates interviewed for the open role in Gainesville.

Feb. 6, 2023, was the date of Sasse’s takeover as president at Florida. Just over 17 months later, the position is once again open.