In just two weeks, UCLA will officially have a new chancellor
““ but one who will only hold the position for less than six
months.
University of California President Robert Dynes appointed Norman
Abrams, a UCLA professor emeritus of law, as the interim chancellor
effective July 1. This way, the chancellor advisory committee can
continue reviewing candidates for the permanent role of UCLA
chancellor.
Abrams will temporarily take the chancellor position when
Carnesale steps down. The advisory committee will not be forced to
rush its selection in order to make a decision by Carnesale’s last
day, which is June 30.
“We’re certainly not going to appoint a (permanent)
chancellor just so we have someone there. We’re going to have
a thorough process like we did before,” said Jared Fox, a
member of the committee.
Abrams has been a UCLA law faculty member since 1959 and has
taught as a full-time professor in the areas of federal criminal
law, anti-terrorism law and evidence. During his time here, Abrams
has also served as the vice chancellor of academic personnel from
1991 to 2001 and the interim dean of the law school in 2003 to
2004.
“Professor Abrams is an accomplished scholar and
administrator, and he knows the UCLA community well,” Dynes
said in a statement released today. “I am confident he will
provide thoughtful and strong leadership during this transition
period.”
Abrams will receive the standard pension and health benefits in
addition to an annual salary of $320,000. Similarly, Carnesale
earned $324,516 as a part of a total compensation package.
The chancellor advisory committee has been working for the past
nine months toward recommending a candidate to succeed
Carnesale.
Once the committee chooses a candidate, its recommendation will
be made to Dynes, who will then seek final approval from the UC
Board of Regents.
The committee’s work will continue through the summer, Fox
said.
Though he said it will be more complicated for committee members
to meet over the summer because of the plans that some committee
members may have had scheduled, he said this will not deter the
committee members’ dedication to the process.
Dynes made Abrams’ appointment after consulting with
several UC regents and will seek the board’s confirmation
during the regents meeting in San Francisco on July 19 and 20,
according to a UC Office of the President press release.
The committee itself did not have much involvement with
Abrams’ appointment as interim chancellor because that
decision needed to be made by Dynes, committee member Eleanor
Brewer said.
"UCLA is just one incredible university and we cannot let it
down. We’ve got to have a first-class chancellor for a first-class
research university. We’re motivated because it’s our school,
just like everyone else who goes there," Brewer added regarding the
work that lies ahead and the motivational factor that has fueled
the continued work done.
Last September, Carnesale announced he would vacate his post at
the conclusion of the 2006 school year.
Following his announcement, Dynes created a 17-member search
committee to begin reviewing applicants in the search for the next
chief executive.
Six weeks ago, the search seemed to near its end ““ there
were reports that Syracuse University Provost Deborah Freund was
named as the top pick from the pool of candidates and was already
in salary and compensation negotiations with Dynes. But several
days later she withdrew herself from consideration, citing family
conflicts.
At that time, Alberto Pimentel, vice president at A.T. Kearney,
the search firm hired to solicit candidates for the position, said
the search would not have to start from “scratch.”