UF president offers insights into public higher education in book of speeches

May 27, 2014

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The modern university is a beacon for students, a home for scholars, a hub of culture in the community, an engine of discovery and an economic force.

A new book titled “The Purposes of the University: Selected Speeches” by University of Florida President Bernie Machen with executive speechwriter Aaron Hoover sheds light on many of the recent upheavals within academia, highlights milestones and key moments at UF, celebrates iconic figures and campus personalities,  and aims to inspire and celebrate young people and their passion. Just released by the University Press of Florida, it is available wherever books are sold.

“Amid increased questioning of higher education and its value to society, now is an important time to remember the many purposes of the university, which explains the title of this selection of speeches,” Machen said. “I am hopeful that these speeches, which cover everything from research and scholarship to access to education to campus life, can help shape the debate while demonstrating the continued vitality and relevance of public universities.”

Combining openness to the many changes ahead with full faith in the university and its many roles, Machen offers insights on public higher education and its challenges from the helm of one of the largest land-grant universities in the country.

Machen has served as the 11th president of UF since 2004. Prior to UF, he spent six years as president of the University of Utah. He also served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of Michigan and dean of the UM School of Dentistry.  He is a past president of the American Association of Dental Schools and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Salt Lake Olympic Organizing Committee.

Hoover is an award-winning speechwriter who has worked closely with Machen since 2005. A former science writer and newspaper reporter, he is the executive speechwriter in the UF President’s Office.