Former University of Florida President Ben Sasse, who was accused this month of excessive sending and funneling millions of school dollars to his GOP allies during his 17-month tenure, will continue to receive his $1 million annual salary for another three years.
The termination agreement, shared with the Tampa Bay Times, states that Sasse will serve as a president emeritus, professor and external advisor to Board of Trustees Chairperson Mori Hosseini and continue to receive his base salary until February 2028, or until he "accept(s) a full-time position elsewhere or otherwise resign." It also said the institution would continue providing Sasse and his family medical benefits.
However, his original contract stated that, should he resign, Sasse "shall not be entitled to any further compensation or benefits as President."
Sasse left his leadership position last month to focus on his family following his wife's epilepsy diagnosis. The former U.S. senator from Nebraska served as UF president for less than two years.
Had he not resigned, Sasse's five-year contract would have ended on Feb. 5, 2028.
The new agreement comes weeks after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called for an investigation into Sasse following reports of excessive spending.
Sasse allegedly increased his office's spending to $17.3 million in his first year - more than triple the $5.6 million spent in the final year of his predecessor, Kent Fuchs, according to the Independent Florida Alligator, the university's student newspaper.
The spending spike was largely attributed to consulting contracts and high-paying positions for Sasse's GOP allies and former U.S. Senate staff.
Sasse issued a lengthy response on Aug. 16, denying the accusations of inappropriate spending.
"Many have asked whether it's true if UF over the last couple years had inappropriate spending. No, it's not true - but it is a duty to transparently address folks' concerns, both because fiscal stewardship is a fundamental obligation of public institutions," he wrote.
Sasse ultimately welcomed an audit of the expenses but insisted his budget underwent the "appropriate approval process."
