Pat Sajak Sets His Sights On Academia After Saying Goodbye To 'Wheel Of Fortune'

Pat Sajak already has his next gig lined up.

It has been confirmed that the 76-year-old will continue to work as chairman of the Board of Trustees for a private Christian school in Michigan, just days after he announced his plans to retire from the "wonderful ride" of hosting "Wheel of Fortune." Sajak initially served as vice chairman of the board from 2003 to 2019, when he was made chairman.

It is no longer news that Sajak is stepping down as the host of "Wheel of Fortune" after more than 40 years. What is information is that the move will give him more time to focus on his role as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hillsdale College.

The conservative school confirmed the move in a statement emailed by its spokesperson Emily Stack Davis on Friday, June 16. Davis wrote:

"For decades, Pat Sajak has been an icon of radio and television. We know that he will be missed and congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement. Hillsdale College is fortunate to have an even closer relationship with Mr. Sajak."

"Since 2019, we have benefitted from his wisdom, intellect, and good humor as chairman of Hillsdale's board of trustees. We look forward to continuing our important work together and to what we are sure will be a bright future for Mr. Sajak and his family," she rounded up in the statement to USA TODAY.

This would not be the first time a Hillsdale College staff would praise Sajak. In 2019, when he was promoted to chairman, the academy's President, Larry P. Arnn, effused that the father-of-two "is a man of calm and steady judgment, also possessed of a wicked wit."

Arnn added that although he "is a man of selfless service" and great fame, he was "not interested in celebrity." The President further claimed that Sajak was aware of "the purposes of the college and is devoted to them." Likewise, the television personality gushed about the promotion, stating:

"I'm in an industry where we're always patting each other on the backs for different awards we've won but this one is at the top of my list."

While this is a step in the right direction, the veteran was shocked when he announced his retirement plans on June 13. He had taken to Twitter to express: 

"Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)."

As The Blast observed, the tweet immediately caught people's attention, and they began responding. So far, it has received over 4k retweets, 56k likes, and hundreds of replies, with many applauding Sajak for giving them sweet, unforgettable memories of "Wheel of Fortune." In the words of one of the disappointed fans:

"Wow – never thought this day would come even though logically it’s inevitable. You, Vanna & the Wheel are an institution. It will be an end of an era." 

The Blast reported earlier that Seacrest was topping the potential hosts of "Wheel of Fortune." Per the story, the "American Top 40" star's vast hosting experience and achievements, including multiple Emmy Awards nominations for "American Idol," made him a prime choice for the popular game show.

Additionally, Seacrest's six-year stint on "Live! with Kelly and Ryan" and his 15-year run leading the annual "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" have adequately prepared him for a chance in front of the wheel. Despite that, show fans have somebody they think can outperform him — Sajak's daughter, Maggie Marie.

The 28-year-old became familiar with the game show from her childhood and has been working as its social media correspondent since 2021. To that end, she has produced behind-the-scenes moments and interviews with contestants and celebrities.

Maggie also got a shot at turning the letters when she stepped in for Vanna White in 2019 when her dad underwent surgery and again in May 2023 during "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune."