Bernie Machen

Bernie Machen in 2008

Bernie Machen is an American academic and former university administrator known for his contributions to higher education in the United States. He served as the 11th president of the University of Florida from 2004 to 2014, and prior to that, he was the president of the University of Utah from 1998 to 2003. Machen's tenure at these institutions was marked by significant growth in research, expansion of facilities, and increased emphasis on national and international recognition for the universities.

Early Life and Education

Bernie Machen was born in 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri. He pursued his undergraduate education at Vanderbilt University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Following his undergraduate studies, Machen attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a Doctor of Dental Surgery. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science in pediatric dentistry from the University of Iowa.

Career

Machen began his academic career as a faculty member in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Michigan. His administrative career in higher education took off when he became the dean of the School of Dentistry at the University of Michigan, a position he held for several years before moving into broader university administration roles.

University of Utah

In 1998, Bernie Machen was appointed as the president of the University of Utah. During his tenure, he focused on increasing the university's research portfolio, improving student facilities, and strengthening the university's healthcare system. Machen was instrumental in the development of the university's research park, which became a significant driver of innovation and economic development in the region.

University of Florida

In 2004, Machen became the president of the University of Florida (UF). His presidency at UF was characterized by a strong push towards academic excellence, research expansion, and the enhancement of the university's national and international reputation. Under his leadership, UF saw a significant increase in its endowment, improvements in student quality, and a rise in the rankings of its various programs. Machen was also a proponent of sustainability and initiated several green campus initiatives.

Legacy and Retirement

Bernie Machen retired from the presidency of the University of Florida in 2014. His legacy includes his efforts to make higher education more accessible and affordable, as well as his commitment to research and academic excellence. After retiring, Machen has remained active in various educational and community initiatives.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Machen has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to higher education and the community. These accolades reflect his impact on the institutions he served and his broader contributions to the field of education.

See Also

• Higher education in the United States
• List of University of Florida presidents
• List of University of Utah people