• University of Florida Provost Joseph Glover announced on Friday that he is stepping down from his role at the end of July. 
• Following his leave, Glover, who has served as Provost at UF for 15 years, will serve as a senior advisor to incoming President Ben Sasse.
• Glover oversaw a series of dramatic transformations at the university throughout his tenure including its ascension to a top-five national rating for public schools.

The University of Florida (UF) has announced that its Provost Joseph Glover will be stepping down from his position at the end of July.

Glover has served as Provost for the past 15 years, during which he oversaw a series of breakthrough initiatives and campaigns including UF’s rise in national academic rankings, moving from 19th place in 2012 to becoming a top-five institution.

Glover was also involved in UF’s AI initiative and the creation of UF Online, which was ranked as the nation’s top online baccalaureate program this week.

Additionally, Glover led efforts to increase the hiring of faculty members through various programs such as the Preeminence program, the faculty 500 hiring plan, and the AI 100 hiring plan.

“Following a UF-record 15 years as provost, Joe Glover transitions to a new role in July, capping a remarkable tenure,” said the university. “Thank you, Provost Glover, for your leadership in our rise to the top five – elevating AI at UF, our number one-ranked UF Online program, and more.”

As Provost, he also played a role in the creation of the Creative B summer program and the PaCE admissions program, as well as UF’s reaccreditation process.

After stepping down as Provost, Glover will continue to serve UF as a senior advisor to future President Ben Sasse. UF stated that it will begin a national search for the next Provost later this year, with more information to be announced in February.

UF’s vacating provost role is the latest in a series of shifting administrators. In October, the university’s Board of Trustees selected Sasse, a then-GOP Senator from Nebraska, to serve as UF’s 13th President.

Upon the announcement, students at the university organized various protests over Sasse’s political views and his voting record while in Congress. According to Axios, detractors demanded that Sasse decline the job.

Nonetheless, Florida’s State University System Board of Governors confirmed Sasse’s appointment and he is slated to begin his duties in early February.

“The University of Florida is the most interesting university in America right now,” said Sasse upon his selection. “It’s the most important institution in the nation’s most economically dynamic state — and its board, faculty, and graduates are uniquely positioned to lead this country through an era of disruption. The caliber of teaching and research at UF is unmistakable, carried out through the core principles of shared governance and academic freedom. I’m thrilled about the opportunity to work alongside one of the nation’s most outstanding faculties.”