Thursday’s announcement that College of Florida President Ben Sasse will resign efficient July 31 left college students with blended feelings. Sasse, who has served as UF’s thirteenth president since November 2022, is stepping right down to give attention to his household amid ongoing well being challenges confronted by his spouse, Melissa.
Sasse’s presidency started with excessive expectations. A former U.S. senator with a robust background in training, he introduced a imaginative and prescient to advance UF nationally and internationally. Below his management, the college made vital strides in varied educational and analysis initiatives. Nonetheless, a few of his insurance policies, his quick tenure, and his sudden departure have unsettled some college students.
Matthew Flores, a 19-year-old finance main at UF, was amongst these shocked by the information.
“The information simply form of shocked me as a result of he is solely been in workplace for like two years, give or take. It was simply surprising,” Flores stated on Friday.
He had anticipated a extra prolonged interval with Sasse on the helm, envisioning a shared journey by his school years.
“We have been form of becoming a member of UF collectively, and the subsequent 4 years, we might be collectively. So I used to be excited,” Flores stated.
Regardless of his preliminary pleasure, Flores felt disconnected from Sasse’s presidency. “I wasn’t actually conscious of his presidency. So possibly that is one thing I felt might have been extra outstanding, extra like what he is doing for the scholars versus simply being a figurehead,” he mirrored.
Flores is not the one one left questioning what might need been. Past Gainesville, many individuals have been ready to see what impact Sasse might need on increased training in America.
“Ben Sasse Got here to U. of Florida to Reshape Larger Ed. He Stepped Down Earlier than He Acquired the Probability,” was a headline Friday within the Chronicle of Larger Schooling.
In an announcement posted Friday on X, Florida State College President Richard McCullough praised Sasse’s impact in Florida, even in a comparatively quick time as UF president.
“Ben Sasse has been a visionary chief for the College of Florida and an excellent companion to FSU and different stakeholders within the state,” he wrote.
Daniela Lopez, a 21-year-old girls’s research main at UF, used an expletive on Friday to precise her disdain for Sasse’s presidency.
Regardless of her sturdy emotions about Sasse’s departure, Lopez sympathized along with his household.
“I can solely want one of the best to his spouse. Coping with medical stuff, particularly on this nation, I might know, is horrifying, making an attempt to get by all of that,” Lopez stated on Friday.
The primary story:Ben Sasse will resign as UF president efficient July 31
Late Thursday, UF Pupil Physique President John Brinkman issued an announcement expressing assist and solidarity. “It’s with deep unhappiness to listen to in regards to the current announcement regarding Melissa’s well being. We’re wishing one of the best for President Sasse and his household, and I totally assist his dedication to prioritizing his household and their wellbeing throughout this troublesome time,” he stated in ready remarks supplied to The Solar.
“President Sasse has been an excellent chief, guiding our college to new heights and we’re so grateful for all his contributions. I’m hopeful about the way forward for the College of Florida and the collection of a brand new College President. Allow us to come collectively as a group to supply our assist and finest needs to President Sasse and his household.”
Jim Ross contributed to this text