Dr Mark Rosenberg, Florida International University president who resigned

Dr Mark Rosenberg resigned as the president of Florida International University on Friday. In a letter to the faculty, he cited personal health issues and the deteriorating health of his wife, Rosalie, as the reason for the decision. 

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“I am stepping back so that I may give full attention to recurring personal health issues and to the deteriorating health of my wife, Rosalie,” said Dr Rosenberg in the letter.

The Board of Trustees called for an emergency meeting to discuss Dr Rosenberg’s successor in the afternoon. 

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In a statement, Board of Trustees Chair Dean C Colson, said that he will be nominating Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration Dr Kenneth Jessell to serve as interim president while the university conducts a national search for its sixth president.

“I know Dr. Jessell will have our support and cooperation as he helps steer our university through the coming months,” Colson said.

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Who is Dr Mark Rosenberg?

Dr Mark Rosenberg was the fifth president of the Florida International University. He served on th post for 13 years. Both his children, Ben and Ginelle, are graduates of the FIU. He and his wife Rosalie are members of Temple Menorah in Miami Beach.

In 2009, Dr. Rosenberg made history as the first FIU faculty member to become the university’s presidency. Under him, the institution increased enrollment to almost 58,000 students, improved graduation rates by 23% and hired over 400 new full-time faculty members.

During his tenure, FIU was named both a Carnegie “Highest Research” and “Engaged” institution. Under him, research expenditures grew by over 120% to nearly $226 million, and over 100 new student advisers and counselors were hired for a restructured and expanded student graduation initiative. 

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“Located in one of the world’s great cities, it is inevitable that FIU will become one of the preeminent research universities in America,” Colson said in a statement.

“I can assure you that our next leader will be committed to that mission.”

In his letter of resignation, Dr. Rosenberg expressed his gratitude for the university community, including the faculty, staff, students, Board of Trustees, Board of Governors, Board of Directors and donors.

He also expressed his pride in all that the university has accomplished throughout his 13-year presidency.