University of Florida President Ben Sasse announced his resignation on Thursday, effective July 31, due to his wife’s health issues. Sasse, who began his tenure as the university’s 13th president in November 2022, will transition to a role focused on teaching and advising.
In a statement, Sasse revealed that his wife Melissa’s recent epilepsy diagnosis and new memory problems have been challenging. He stated, “We’re facing it together, but I need to step back to support my family. My wife deserves a husband who can be fully present, and my children need me at home more often.”
Sasse emphasized the need for a leader who can dedicate full energy to the role, while he plans to remain involved in supporting UF students in the future. “I need to rebuild our household systems and spend more time with Melissa,” he added.
The university’s Board of Trustees will begin the search for a new president and will appoint an interim president in the meantime.
Sasse, a former Nebraska senator with a Yale University doctorate, previously served as president of Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska, and has taught at the University of Texas.
