GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – University of Florida (UF) President Ben Sasse announced late Thursday he’s resigning the position.
In an open letter posted on the social media site X, Sasse cited his wife’s declining health as the reason.
Sasse said his wife, Melissa, suffered an aneurysm and series of strokes in 2007.
“We’ve battled some nasty seizures the last couple years, but she’s always remained a warrior,” wrote Sasse. “In recent months, Melissa has been diagnosed with epilepsy and has been struggling with a new batch of memory issues.”
He added that while two daughters are in college, their youngest is just turning 13. That has prompted a lot of conversations about what matters most.
“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,” he said. “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 said he’s asked UF Chair Mori Hosseini and the Board of Trustees to start 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,” he wrote.
Sasse says he’s going to remain involved in serving UF students as President Emeritus and a professor teaching classes.
He said he’s grateful for the support of the Gator Nation.
“You touched our hearts and made this more than a job – you made it our community.”
He concluded the statement saying, “It’s great to be a Florida Gator! … It’s even greater to be a husband and a dad.”