Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse wins final approval for UF presidency
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A Cornhusker will now become a Gator.
Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse was named president of the University of Florida on Wednesday after approval from the school’s board of governors.
The @FLBOG approved Dr. Ben Sasse as the University of Florida’s next president. Ben’s a consensus-builder with an exciting vision for #GatorNation. We look forward to welcoming his family to Gainesville and to UF’s continued momentum under his leadership. 🐊 pic.twitter.com/ifPtz7xlIi
— FLORIDA (@UF) November 9, 2022
On Twitter, Sasse said he would resign from the Senate in January before taking his new position in February.
Sasse’s road to the job came with some contention, as many staff and students at the university called the presidential search process into question.
Other students took aim at Sasse’s stances on LGBTQ matters, including gay marriage.
SEE ALSO: Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse gets earful from students at University of Florida forums
The U.S. senator had earned unanimous approval from the university’s board of trustees on Nov. 1.
Sasse will be paid $1 million annually. If the university achieves certain goals, Sasse could see a pay raise.
SEE ALSO: Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse would make $1 million annually as UF president
Gov.-elect Jim Pillen will choose Sasse’s successor.
thrilled to join Gator Nation in February — very excited about the work ahead. Melissa and I have had the great honor of serving Nebraskans in the Senate these 8 yrs — I will finish out the upcoming lameduck session and resign in the first week of January https://t.co/W4mS5hnTR9
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) November 9, 2022
