ANN ARBOR—The Board of Regents of the University of Michigan will consider for approval a two-year appointment of J. Bernard Machen as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at a public meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 10).

If approved, the appointment will be effective retroactive to Sept. 1, 1995. Machen, dean of the U-M School of Dentistry, has served as interim provost of the University since Sept. 1, 1995.

A faculty advisory committee chaired by Prof. Kenneth Warner of the School of Public Health was appointed last spring to conduct a search for a new provost of the University, following the conclusion of the term of Provost Gilbert R. Whitaker Jr., who returned to faculty duties.

Following the announcement of President James J. Duderstadt’s intention to retire next summer, the committee has recommended that their search be discontinued at this time.

“The members of the committee are understandably disappointed that we will not be able to complete the search,” said Prof. Warner. ” The large number of highly qualified and enthusiastic candidates reinforced our perception that the University of Michigan is regarded as a very special institution. However, it is important that there be stability and sustained leadership within the University during the transition from one president to the next.”

“After careful consideration, the executive officers and I agree with the search advisory committee that it would be best to end the provost search at this time,” President Duderstadt said. ” After consulting with the deans and executive officers of the University, I have asked Interim Provost Bernard Machen if he would be willing to accept a two-year appointment as Provost in order to provide continuity during the transition period between presidents.

“Dr. Machen has graciously agreed to serve for this period, and I am pleased to recommend his appointment to the Board of Regents. Interim Provost Machen has rapidly earned the support and confidence of the deans and the executive officers, and I deeply appreciate his agreement to extend his service to the University.”

Machen, dean and professor of the U-M School of Dentistry since 1989, held teaching and administrative posts at the School of Dentistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1975-89. Before that, he taught at the University of Maryland, George Washington University, the University of Iowa, and the Medical University of South Carolina.

He received his D.D.S. degree from St. Louis University in 1968, M.S. in pedodontics in 1972 and a Ph.D. in educational psychology in 1974 from the University of Iowa.

School of Public Health