Pat Sajak: Retired From ‘Wheel’ and Now Working in Michigan

After 41 years at the helm of 'Wheel of Fortune," Pat Sajak now has more time to concentrate on his other job, and it's right here in good ol' Michigan.

Sajak announced his retirement from the iconic game show last year, saying "The time has come." As he wrapped up the season last week, he quipped that walking away from Wheel will give him more time to play with grandchildren. The cheeky remark served as a playful reminder to his two children - Patrick and Maggie - that he would like to become a grandpa sooner, rather than later.

After a somewhat public salary negotiation, Vanna White announced that she'll continue to turn letters for another couple of years after Ryan Seacrest takes the wheel this fall.

Pat Sajak's Ties to Michigan

So what's next for Pat Sajak?

Upon retiring from Wheel, Sajak will continue his work with Hillsdale College, a conservative liberal arts school in Hillsdale, Michigan. Hillsdale is about 70 miles southwest of Ann Arbor.

Get our free mobile app

Sajak has served as the chairman of the board of Hillsdale College since 2019 and served as vice chairman between 2003 and 2019.

Emily Stack Davis is the Executive Director of Media Relations and Communications at Hillsdale College. In a statement to Townsquare Media, Stack Davis notes that Hillsdale College is fortunate to be able to tap into Sajak's expertise.

"For decades, Pat Sajak has been an icon of radio and television," she said. "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."

By the way, the picture above features Pat Sajak with local game show guru Chad Mosher. The Flint man has appeared on numerous game shows, including Wheel of Fortune in 2015.