ORLANDO, Fla. — The University of Central Florida's president has offered to step down after the controversy of the misuse of funds, sending shockwaves throughout the community.

The UCF Board of Trustees will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday to consider President Dale Whittaker's resignation.

Whittaker took over as president in 2018. A couple of months later, it came to light that $38 million meant for a general budget went toward the construction of Trevor Colbourn Hall — a misuse of the funds.

Whittaker maintains he did not know that this would be an issue when he served as provost under retired UCF President John Hitt.

But Tuesday, Whittaker offered his resignation to the UCF Board of Trustees.

“I think it’s sad that someone who clearly has a good conscience has to step down, be the sacrificial lamb, in this case," UCF student Robert Dorobiala said. "It shows good leadership, because he’s willing to take a hit for what his team does."

Junior Jeremy Wright, who goes to Trevor Colburn Hall for pre-law advising, agreed.

“As long as people who messed up take responsibility for it, then I’m fine with it," Wright said. 

UCF's fifth president penned an open note to the university, saying, "leadership is about making choices."

"However, despite my work to find and solve these problems, it has been made clear to me that for UCF to succeed with our state leaders in the future, new leadership is required," he wrote. He implored the university and the Florida Legislature to renew its relationship to show their shared commitment to the future of the student body.

In another letter Wednesday, Whittaker reaffirmed what he said the day before and said he offered his resignation "as a way to end punitive measures and threats, and restore normalcy to a healthy relationship."

The investigation determined that ultimately, $85 million from the education and general funds budget, as opposed to capital funding, paid for construction of Trevor Colbourn Hall in 2014 and was used or budgeted for other construction projects.

Whittaker is "someone who really cares about UCF and would take the time and responsibly to make sure it's done correctly and way it should be," Adrianna Fajardo said.

UCF took a series of corrective actions following the scandal, including refunding the state funds improperly used in the construction of Trevor Colbourn Hall with eligible funds in 2018. UCF also terminated four senior leaders in Administration and Finance last month.

During his appearance in The Villages on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis backed the Florida Legislature in its calls for UCF to straighten out its financial issues.

DeSantis said when it comes to education in Florida, he wants to continue the state's dedication to excellence, including ensuring UCF stays on the right track. 

Members of the Legislature have been critical of the university, launching an investigation into the misuse of funds. 

"I think the Legislature was right to be proactive and to defend the taxpayer, because we want to make sure that this money is spent well," DeSantis said. "I look forward to making sure that UCF gets back on track with some of the issues that they have had."

Although many students are focused on midterms next week, others such as Wright and Dorobiala are thinking about the future of their school.

“Hopefully whoever comes in is better, pays attention to what they’re doing," Wright said.

“I’m hoping somebody decent comes in and continues the good work they were doing," added Dorobiala.