Florida President Ben Sasse Resigns Amid Wife's Diagnosis

© Alan Youngblood/Special to The Sun/USA TODAY NETWORK

Ben Sasse, the president of the University of Florida, has declared his resignation, in a poignant statement that highlighted his wife's health challenges and his commitment to being present for her and their children.

Melissa, the wife of Sasse, was diagnosed with epilepsy, a development following her experience of an aneurysm and multiple strokes in 2007. In light of his wife's health challenges, Sasse made the decision to prioritize his family, dedicating more time to be with them during this difficult period. This choice was not made lightly, citing "extensive prayer and lots of family tears."

Sasse Statement

"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 in his announcement. "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."

Sasse, a former U.S. senator, vacated his seat to become Florida's 13th president in February 2023. He asked UF Chair Mori Hosseini and the board of trustees to initiate a search for a new president on July 18. Sasse's resignation will become effective July 31.

Florida Thanks Sasse

"The Board of Trustees thanks Dr. Sasse for his service to the University of Florida," Hosseini said in a news release via Florida's website. "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."

Sasse will reportedly move to an advisory and teaching roll at the university.