University of Florida president Bernie Machen has ousted the research institution's medical school dean, who was under fire in recent weeks for pushing the admission of a politically connected doctor's son.

Medical school faculty said the son of Dr. Alan Mendelsohn, a Hollywood ophthalmologist and Republican fundraiser who helped Gov. Charlie Crist during his 2006 campaign, never should have been admitted.

Before Bruce Kone (left) became dean in May 2007, Gov. Crist sent a letter to UF urging that Benjamin Mendelsohn be admitted. Kone later admitted the student even though a medical selection committee in the college objected.

Late Thursday, Machen reported that Dr. Bruce Kone "has been relieved of his duties as dean of the College of Medicine."

Kone will retain a faculty position within the department of medicine in the division of nephrology.

Dr. Michael L. Good has been appointed acting dean.

Shannon Colavecchio-Van Sickler, Times higher education reporter

See also related stories: UF President: Medical Dean Taking Steps to Mend Fences, Lakeland Ledger, 5-08-08; Florida Medical Dean Overrules Committee, Admitting Son of Politically Connected Family, Chronicle of Higher Education, 4-04-08