GAINESVILLE -  To make UF a '"stonger university," school leaders want the outgoing president to be the new president.   Bernie Machen will not retire as he announced last June.  The search,  for a new president has been suspended.  University spokesperson Janine Sikes says the reason Machen is staying is because of U-F'S progress in becoming a top 10 public institution.   While Sikes could not disclose much information, she pointed to a "US News And Report" survey ranking Florida 17th among top public schools. 

"We are a extremely fortunate to have president bernie machen in an extended role to serve in this capacity and lead our effort to become a top ten public university nationwide," Janine Sikes said.

"I think he's been very pro student and it shows in his administration and all the work they've done for us students here at uf so I was excited, I was confused but i was excited," TJ Villamil, UF Student Body President.

A new contract for Machen will be brought to the Board of Governor's for approval.

Officials for the search firm,  Greenwood Asher and Associates,  referred questions to the university about how has been spent on the search.  Janine Sikes said that information would be available on Wednesday.