University of Florida president Ben Sasse is stepping down after a little more than a year on the job due to his wife’s health issues, according to an announcement posted on social media Thursday night.
His wife, Melissa Sasse, who has dealt with various medical problems, including an aneurysm and strokes, was recently diagnosed with epilepsy and has struggled with seizures and memory loss, he wrote. Citing his priorities as a husband and father, Sasse wrote, “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.”
He added that he will remain in Gainesville as president emeritus and a faculty member.
Sasse joined UF in early 2023 after eight years representing Nebraska as a Republican in the U.S. Senate. Sasse stepped down from his Senate seat to take the UF job despite being re-elected in 2020. His hire was met with protests; many students and some faculty members expressed concern about his rhetoric and views on LGBTQ+ issues and abortion rights.
Sasse also faced criticism from some in the higher education community. He was accused of being quick to take a public stance on some occasions, such as after the Hamas attack on Israel Oct. 7, but remained silent on academic freedom concerns in Florida when the state rolled back some faculty protections and implemented certain instructional limits.
Sasse did not note a timeline for his exit from the UF presidency.
