Governor gives Business Ambassador Award to Machen

April 8, 2013

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — During a reception at the Florida Governor’s Mansion, hosted by Gov. Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott last week, University of Florida President Bernie Machen received the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award for leading UF toward being a top-10 institution of higher education and educating Florida’s future workforce.

“Because of the decisions we made to get our state’s economy on track over the last two years, we can now make smart investments like $15 million to support the University of Florida’s continued pursuit of excellence,” Scott said. “I applaud Dr. Machen and the University of Florida for helping Florida families get a great education, and ultimately, pursue a rewarding career.”

During his time at UF, Machen has strengthened the university’s three core missions of teaching, research and service – while developing a fourth mission of economic development. His tenure includes growth in the annual research funding from $470 million in 2003-2004 to $644 million in the current fiscal year, more than 2.8 million square feet in new construction on campus, and completion of UF’s $1.7 billion capital campaign.