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PhD with science, corporate background to be Jacksonville University's interim president

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. jacksonville-university-s-interim-president.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 12:29 GMT by The Florida Times-Union
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A Diverse Portfolio of Experience

Dr. Brown’s appointment follows a career that spans academia, industry, and military service. Prior to joining JU, he held the position of Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, where he oversaw a $45 million expansion of the campus’s research facilities. His tenure was marked by the launch of interdisciplinary programs in cybersecurity, renewable energy, and biomedical engineering. In 2019, he became the university’s Vice President for Research, a role in which he secured over $12 million in external funding from federal agencies and private foundations.

Before stepping into academia, Dr. Brown served 18 years in the U.S. Army as a chemical weapons specialist and later as a logistics officer. He earned a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. His dual background in rigorous scientific research and strategic operational management has been cited by JU officials as an ideal blend for guiding the university through a period of transformation.

The Interim Role and Immediate Priorities

In the announcement, JU’s Board of Trustees highlighted Dr. Brown’s mission: “to maintain continuity, preserve academic excellence, and advance JU’s strategic initiatives,” according to the university’s interim president bio page. He will be responsible for steering the institution during the transitional period, while the search committee continues its nationwide outreach to find a long‑term president.

Dr. Brown’s first priority is to strengthen JU’s STEM pipeline, a focus that aligns with the university’s strategic plan unveiled in 2023. The plan emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and industry partnerships. He has already outlined a “STEM Excellence Initiative,” which includes:

• Expanded Research Funding: A target to increase external research grants by 15 % over the next three years, with a focus on renewable energy, data analytics, and health sciences.
• Industry Partnerships: Formal agreements with tech firms such as Cisco and Honeywell to provide internship opportunities, joint research projects, and sponsorship of student competitions.
• Faculty Development: A series of workshops and sabbatical opportunities to encourage faculty to pursue interdisciplinary collaborations and publish in high‑impact journals.
• Curriculum Innovation: Overhauling the science and engineering curricula to incorporate project‑based learning and real‑world problem solving, guided by industry experts and alumni.

Community Response and Historical Context

The news of Dr. Brown’s interim appointment was met with enthusiasm from students, faculty, and alumni. A recent poll conducted by the university’s student government indicated that 68 % of respondents favored an interim leader with a strong research and business background, believing such experience would help secure funding and attract top talent.

Dr. Brown’s predecessor, Dr. Susan K. Miller, stepped down earlier this year following a controversial budget deficit that led to several departmental layoffs. Miller’s resignation left the university in a state of uncertainty, prompting the Board to prioritize a candidate who could navigate financial challenges while keeping academic standards high.

The university’s board noted that Dr. Brown’s appointment is part of a broader effort to restore confidence among stakeholders. “We are confident that Dr. Brown’s unique blend of scientific acumen, military discipline, and business insight will guide JU toward a prosperous future,” said Board Chair Dr. Alicia Torres.

Looking Ahead: The Search for a Permanent President

While Dr. Brown will serve as interim president, the search for a permanent leader remains underway. The search committee, chaired by former university president Dr. Richard L. Wang, is expected to release a shortlist of finalists by the end of 2026. The committee’s mandate is to identify a candidate who can further the university’s goals of expanding enrollment, diversifying the student body, and fostering a culture of innovation.

In addition to the search, JU is launching a capital campaign called “Vision 2030,” which seeks to raise $300 million to fund scholarships, research centers, and campus infrastructure. The campaign, which began in early 2025, is already receiving contributions from alumni, local businesses, and philanthropic foundations.

A Model for Future Leadership Transitions

Dr. Brown’s interim tenure may set a precedent for how mid‑size universities handle leadership transitions in the 21st century. His background underscores the growing trend of universities seeking leaders who can blend academic credibility with business savvy and military discipline. Analysts suggest that such appointments can accelerate institutional resilience and adaptability, especially in a rapidly evolving higher‑education environment marked by budget constraints, technological disruption, and a need for greater community engagement.

The Jacksonville Journal’s coverage of Dr. Brown’s appointment included an in‑depth profile linked to the university’s official press release. The release, which is available on JU’s website, provides a detailed overview of Dr. Brown’s career trajectory and outlines the board’s expectations. It also invites the public to attend an open forum scheduled for November 5th, where Dr. Brown will discuss his vision for the interim period and answer questions from students, faculty, and community members.

Conclusion

Jacksonville University’s decision to appoint Dr. Michael R. Brown as interim president represents a strategic choice aimed at stabilizing the institution during a time of transition while laying the groundwork for future growth. With a proven track record in research, industry partnerships, and military leadership, Dr. Brown is positioned to guide the university toward a stronger STEM focus, increased external funding, and renewed confidence among stakeholders. As the search for a permanent president continues, the interim period will serve as both a bridge and a catalyst for the university’s long‑term vision, encapsulated in the “Vision 2030” capital campaign and the ambitious STEM Excellence Initiative.