In 11 years as president of the University of Florida, Bernie Machen grew and enhanced every aspect of the university while putting it on a path to rise among the best public universities in the nation.

Dr. Machen was UF’s 11th president, serving from January 2004 through December 2014. During that time, he expanded UF’s research operation, elevated its educational programs and increased access for students from a diversity of economic backgrounds. He bolstered the university’s commitment to innovation, grew its endowment, and led a noted university wide sustainability initiative.

Additionally, in 2013, Dr. Machen launched UF on the nearly $1 billion UF Preeminence Plan. By the end of his tenure, the plan had filled more than 60 of at least 100 new positions for accomplished faculty members, established more than 100 new endowed chairs and professorships, and upgraded research and education facilities across campus. The plan is supported by $150 million in combined state-university dollars and an $800 million fundraising campaign.