Recent scrutiny has intensified over Ben Sasse’s tenure as the University of Florida president, following revelations from the student-run newspaper, the Independent Florida Alligator. The report highlights significant increases in spending under Sasse’s leadership, including high-paying jobs for former staffers and Republican allies, as well as secretive consulting contracts.
Sasse, who resigned on July 31 citing family health concerns, is facing calls for an investigation from both Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis. Their concerns were triggered by the Alligator's findings that Sasse’s office expended $17.3 million during his first year, a sharp rise from the $5.6 million spent by his predecessor, Kent Fuchs. The university operates on a $9 billion budget.
Governor DeSantis's office issued a statement emphasizing the importance of prudent use of state funds and indicated ongoing discussions with university leadership and the governing board. Chief Financial Officer Patronis expressed his concern over the spending, urging the board to ensure that public funds are properly allocated.
Sasse, a former Nebraska senator who took office in February 2023, defended his actions in a statement on social media. He asserted that the hiring of former Senate staff and consultants was necessary for the university’s expansion and initiatives, including new satellite campuses, K-12 charter schools, and advancements in artificial intelligence and other fields.
Documents reviewed by the Alligator reveal that Sasse appointed several former staffers to high-ranking positions at UF, including Raymond Sass, his former chief of staff, who now serves as vice-president for innovation and partnerships with an annual salary of $396,000. This is more than double his previous salary. James Wegmann, former Senate communications director, was named vice-president of communications with a salary of $432,000, also significantly higher than his predecessor's pay.
Other notable hires include Taylor Silva, former Senate press secretary, now assistant vice-president of presidential communications and public affairs, with a salary of $232,000. The report also highlights the recruitment of Penny Schwinn, former Tennessee education commissioner, and Alice James Burns, former scheduler for Senator Lindsey Graham, both of whom have substantial Republican ties.
Additionally, Sasse’s office awarded a $4.7 million consulting contract to McKinsey & Company, a firm where Sasse previously worked as an adviser. The university has not disclosed the specifics of this contract, and McKinsey did not respond to inquiries. Other consulting contracts worth approximately $2.5 million were also reported.
The increased spending on travel expenses, which surged to $633,000, more than 20 times the amount spent by Fuchs, further compounds the controversy. Most of the high-paid hires continue to work remotely from locations outside Florida, contributing to the rising costs.
As the university and state officials prepare to investigate these issues, the scrutiny on Sasse’s spending and hiring decisions remains a critical point of contention.
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