Administration Change

Bernie Machen, President

After six years of dedicated service to his alma mater, Senior Vice President Brian Beach is leaving the University of Florida to return to the private sector.

Brian has held various positions here and has made many significant contributions to the university and Gainesville. He began his career as the university’s liaison to the Board of Trustees and quickly earned their respect and admiration for his support of their efforts.

He also served as my chief of staff before assuming his current position in 2008. An intensely focused and skilled manager, he directed changes in our budget and financial operations that position UF for the future. Most recently, his visionary leadership resulted in the announcement of Innovation Square, a community along SW 2nd Avenue where UF research will serve as a catalyst to create jobs in a sustainable live/work/play environment.

His duties will be distributed among existing administrators with Ed Poppell becoming Vice President for Business Affairs and Economic Development. Former UF Student Body President Jamal Sowell has recently joined the university as Special Assistant to the President and will be responsible for Trustee relations.

Brian’s last day here will be January 25, when he will leave to pursue an exciting new opportunity. Please join me in thanking Brian for his outstanding service and for the many contributions he made to make UF a better institution.