The University Record, October 16, 1995
Machen appointed provost for two years
J. Bernard Machen was unanimously appointed to a two-year term as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at a special meeting of the Board of Regents Oct. 10. Machen had been serving in the post on an interim basis since Sept. 1.
His appointment is expected to provide continuity and stability while a search for a new president is conducted.
The University was nearing the final stages of a search for a new provost when President James J. Duderstadt announced his intention to step down from the presidency June 30.
Since it is customary for the president to play a significant role in the selection of the provost, the search committee, headed by Prof. Kenneth Warner of the School of Public Health, recommended that the search be halted.
“The members of the committee are understandably disappointed that we will not be able to complete the search,” Warner said. “The large number of highly qualified and enthusiastic candidates reinforced our perception that the University of Michigan is a very special institution.
“However,” he added, “it is important that there be stability and sustained leadership within the University during the transition from one president to the next.”
In recommending Machen for the post, Duderstadt noted that Machen “has rapidly earned the respect, support and confidence of the deans and the executive officers, and I deeply appreciate his agreement to extend his service to the University.”
“Given his extensive background and experience in academic, administrative and budget affairs,” the president added, “we are fortunate that he has agreed to remain as a key member of the leadership team during this transition period.”
Machen, dean of the School of Dentistry since 1989, held teaching and administrative posts at the School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1975-89. Prior to that he taught at the University of Maryland, George Washington University, University of Iowa and the Medical University of South Carolina.
