Chancellor Albert Carnesale said he is not seeking the
University of California’s presidency, but would not go as
far as saying he would reject the position if he were asked to lead
the UC system.
“I am very happy at UCLA and would welcome the opportunity
to remain at UCLA, and indeed that would be my preference,”
Carnesale said.
A nine-member special committee of the UC Board of Regents is
charged with finding the next UC president. Consideration of
specific candidates has been conducted behind closed doors.
The regents have not yet voted on specific criteria for a
successor to current UC President Richard Atkinson. At this early
point in the search, Carnesale said he did not know if the regents
have any individuals in mind for the job.
“To the best of my knowledge there are no candidates at
this stage,” he said.
During the 1995 presidential search that resulted in Atkinson
assuming the UC’s top post, the regents adopted a set of
criteria that listed several qualifications, including knowledge of
issues facing higher education, the ability to work with government
leaders and the public, and a commitment to principles of diversity
and equal opportunity throughout the UC.
Last week, staff, students and alumni had a chance to advise the
presidential search committee on what they wanted to see in the
university system’s next leader.
Common themes in the discussions with the regents echoed points
contained in the 1995 criteria. For example, concern for diversity
and skills to negotiate with Sacramento were given high
priority.
Another hinge is whether Atkinson’s successor will be a UC
insider or come from another university or organization.
“As students, we would like to see somebody who comes
within the UC or has proven crossover ability,” said Stephen
Klass, chair of the UC Student Association and student advisory
committee.
Generally, the regents have chosen presidents from within the UC
system. The last UC president to hold an external position
immediately before becoming president was David Gardner, who was
appointed in 1982 after holding the presidency at the University of
Utah. Prior to his Utah post, he served as chancellor at UC Santa
Barbara and as UC vice president.
Regent John Davies, who chairs the presidential search
committee, said last week the regents have received input favoring
insider candidates. From the feedback the committee’s been
getting, internal experience is viewed as positive, he said.
Carnesale said no one should rule out taking the job if chosen
by the regents.
“I don’t think anybody who cares about the
University of California should simply dismiss (the job) … if for
some reason (the regents) were to feel that you’re the right
person,” he said.
Carnesale said he would stand by whoever the regents select.
“She’ll have my full support,” he said with a
chuckle.