Former University of Florida President Ben Sasse Resigns Amid Controversy
Former University of Florida President Ben Sasse, who took on the role in February 2023, recently resigned just 17 months into his tenure. Sasse cited his wife’s health as the primary reason for his departure, but other factors may have contributed to his decision.
Drop in University Rankings
During Sasse’s presidency, the University of Florida experienced a slight drop in its prestigious U.S. News & World Report rankings. The university’s overall ranking fell from No. 5 to No. 6, while the Levin College of Law dropped from No. 21 to No. 22. This decline is notable given that less than a decade ago, the law school was ranked No. 48, highlighting a significant rise before the recent fall.
Sasse’s Views on Rankings
Despite the importance of rankings to the university’s board of trustees, Sasse reportedly did not hold the U.S. News & World Report rankings in high regard. According to the New York Times, this indifference may have contributed to growing tensions between Sasse and the board. While it is not clear if this was a direct cause of his resignation, some believe the disparity in views played a role in his departure.
Tactics to Improve Law School Rankings
Before Sasse's tenure, the University of Florida employed various tactics to improve its law school’s rankings. These included offering tuition discounts to students with higher LSAT scores, which significantly reduced inflation-adjusted tuition revenue from about $36 million in fiscal year 2013 to approximately $8 million in fiscal year 2022. Paul Campos, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder’s law school, highlighted these efforts in an analysis linked by the New York Times.
Controversial Spending and Staffing
During Sasse's presidency, student journalists from the Independent Florida Alligator reported a substantial increase in spending by Sasse's office, much of which went towards lucrative consulting contracts and high-paid remote positions for GOP allies. Sasse defended these expenditures as necessary for transforming the university.
Efforts to Boost Rankings
Michelle Jacobs, a former University of Florida law professor, pointed out other measures taken to improve the law school's rankings, such as purchasing new chairs and increasing the faculty count from 250 in 2021 to 343 in 2022. Guest speakers were also counted as part-time faculty members, further inflating the faculty numbers.
Bar Passage Rates and Positive Outcomes
Despite the emphasis on improving rankings, the law school’s bar passage rates lagged behind other schools in the state. In May, the law school’s ranking further dropped to No. 28. However, amid the challenges, there was some good news: Florida's bar passage rate increased to over 90%, a 10-percentage point rise from 2023.
Sasse’s Future Role
Following his resignation, Sasse remained affiliated with the University of Florida as a professor, earning a salary of $1 million per year. This continued involvement with the university suggests that, despite the controversies, Sasse will still play a significant role in its academic community.
