Biography of Mark B. Rosenberg

Mark B. Rosenberg is the fifth president of Florida International University, one of the 25 largest universities in the nation. A political scientist specializing in Latin America, Dr. Rosenberg is the first FIU faculty member to ascend to the university’s presidency, he has more than 30 years of higher education experience.

From 2005 to 2008, Dr. Rosenberg served as chancellor for the Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida. The SUS enrolls more than 300,000 students, employs 10,000 faculty and operates an $8 billion budget. As chancellor, Dr. Rosenberg led the system’s strategic development, financial planning and policy initiatives, working closely with Gov. Charlie Crist and Legislature to secure support for SUS priorities.

Prior to becoming chancellor, Dr. Rosenberg was integrally involved in the expansion and development of FIU into a major public research university. As provost and executive vice president for academic affairs from 1998 to 2005, Dr. Rosenberg spearheaded the establishment of a law school in 2002 and a medical school in 2006. Under his leadership, FIU increased enrollment to 37,000 students, implemented major campus construction projects and was invited to join the select national honor society Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Rosenberg was also instrumental in moving FIU into the top tier of Carnegie Foundation research universities.

Dr. Rosenberg’s academic career began at FIU in 1976 as an assistant professor of political science. In 1979, he founded the FIU Latin American and Caribbean Center, which today is one of the nation’s premier federally supported research and teaching centers focusing on the region. Dr. Rosenberg subsequently served as the founding dean of the College of Urban and Public Affairs and vice provost for international studies.

Dr. Rosenberg earned a B.A. in 1971 from Miami University of Ohio and a Ph.D. in political science with a graduate certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976. He has written or co-edited seven books and numerous scholarly articles in leading journals. His latest book, The United States and Central America: Geopolitical Realities and Regional Fragility (2007), is a Harvard University project co-authored with Luis Guillermo Solis of Costa Rica. Governmental and media organizations have frequently sought Dr. Rosenberg’s expertise on Latin America. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, has testified before Congress numerous times and has served as a consultant to the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Throughout his career, Dr. Rosenberg has been active in state economic development issues and committed to community service. He was part of the leadership team of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce for nearly a decade. He presently serves on the Board of Governors of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and on the South Florida Commission on the Nursing Shortage.

Dr. Rosenberg and his wife of 34 years, Rosalie, are members of Temple Menorah in Miami Beach. Both of their children, Benjamin and Ginelle, are students at FIU.