To the surprise of many, former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) has decided to resign from his position as president of the University of Florida. 

Sasse, according to the Washington Examiner, announced his resignation on Tuesday.

Part of what makes this so surprising is that Sasse has only been on the job for about a year and a half. That's not the longest tenure.

Dear Gator Nation and cherished friends,

This isn’t an easy note to write but wanted to give you an update on our family. As many of you know, my wife Melissa suffered an aneurysm and series of strokes in 2007. Back then, the docs prepared us for the worst, but – in God’s…

— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) July 19, 2024

"This isn't an easy note to write"

Sasse revealed his decision to resign in a message that he posted to his X account on July 18, 2024. It appears that Sasse is resigning so that he can spend more time with his family.

He wrote:

This isn’t an easy note to write but wanted to give you an update on our family. As many of you know, my wife Melissa suffered an aneurysm and series of strokes in 2007. Back then, the docs prepared us for the worst, but – in God’s providence – she made an incredible comeback. In the years since – from Nebraska to DC to Florida – she kept our family grounded while I missed too many family dinners, little league games, hugs, and tears. She’s the strongest person I know. We’ve battled some nasty seizures the last couple years, but she’s always remained a warrior.

Sasse goes on to reveal that his wife "has been diagnosed with epilepsy and has been struggling with a new batch of memory issues." And, he also noted that, at the same time, he has two daughters.

He continued:

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.

Accordingly, Sasse said that he has asked the university's board "to initiate a search for a new president of the university."

Background

As mentioned earlier, this comes after Sasse has been on the job for about a year and a half.

"Sasse has served in the role for roughly a year and a half, and he took over in February 2023 after vacating his Senate seat the month prior," the Examiner reports.

It adds, "He was appointed as the university’s 13th president in November 2022 by a unanimous vote from the institution’s board of trustees."

It appears that Sasse will still have a role with the university, even after his resignation as president.

The Examiner reports that "he will continue to serve as president emeritus and teach as a professor at the university."