Machen appointed to Sanford-Burnham's Board of Trustees

February 22, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida President Bernie Machen has joined the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute Board of Trustees.

Machen will be the fourth Floridian to serve on the institute’s board.

Current Florida-based trustees include Allen R. Weiss, former president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and James E. Jardon II, chief executive officer of JHT Inc. Previously serving as a trustee was Robert Mandell of Orlando, now U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg.

“As president of one of Florida’s leading research universities, I am honored to join Sanford-Burnham’s Board of Trustees,” Machen said. “My relationship with Sanford-Burnham dates back to 2006, when the institute first considered opening a new campus in Orlando. Over the years we’ve developed strategies that will benefit our individual and shared scientific endeavors. I look forward to my role on the board and the many new partnership opportunities to come.”

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham and UF are already exploring opportunities for collaborations in such fields as diabetes and aging. Several Sanford-Burnham faculty members also hold joint faculty appointments at UF, including John C. Reed, Sandford Burnham’s CEO, who is an adjunct professor.

“We are thrilled to have Bernie join our Board of Trustees,” said Reed. “His longtime support of our institute and commitment to furthering medical research makes him a perfect fit. With the opening later this year of UF’s Research and Academic Center adjacent to our Orlando campus, we welcome a new Medical City neighbor and superb partner.”

Machen was appointed UF’s 11th president in January 2004. During his tenure, he has expanded the university’s research and scholarship endeavors, elevated its educational programs and increased access to students from diverse economic backgrounds – all while shepherding the university through an era of growing financial challenges. A member of the Florida Council of 100, he has held several prominent positions in statewide and national higher education. He earned his doctorate in dental surgery from St. Louis University and doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Iowa, both of which have honored him with distinguished alumnus awards.

A complete list of Sanford-Burnham’s trustees can be found at http://www.sanfordburnham.org/talent/Pages/Home.aspx#trustees_Honorary.