In recent years, University of California Regent Russell Gould made a name for himself in the financial sector while serving as senior vice president of Wachovia Bank.
But while in college, Gould was simply another student who walked past the Campanile Bell Tower at UC Berkeley.
Gould, who began his term July 1, now serves as the chairman of the UC Board of Regents after being ratified by the full Board of Regents at a closed session meeting in May.
“Everyone knows that Chairman Gould is highly respected and brings an extensive background to the Board of Regents,” said Ricardo Vázquez, University of California spokesman. “He has lots of experience.”
This experience includes serving as executive vice president of the J. Paul Getty Trust, where he was responsible for the investment of the trust’s assets, as well as his employment with the state of California as the director of the department of finance, according to the UC Web site.
In addition to his familiarity with large-scale financial operations, Gould also has knowledge of the Board of Regents. Gould served one term as a regent in 1998 and was later appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to a 12-year term, which started in September 2005, according to the Web site.
Just prior to becoming chairman, Gould served as the board’s vice chair and the chair of the finance committee, Vázquez said.
It was this experience in finances that contributed to his election as chairman.
“Chairman Gould’s deep background and expertise in finance provides the university with a tremendous resource, not only to guide the board in its challenging decision-making but to work closely with the administration to position us strategically for continued success,” said UC President Mark Yudof in a statement. “I look forward to working with him as chair.”
As chairman, Gould will preside over Board of Regents’ meetings, as well as deal with administrative matters, Vázquez said.
“He has an important role in shaping the agenda (of meetings) in conjunction with the president,” he said.
In light of the current California budget crisis and its impact on the UC system, Gould plans to reach out to other California education institutions for support.
Although Gould could not be reached for comment, he said in a statement that he planned to create the UC Commission on the Future to serve this purpose.
“This newly formed and diverse group will have a critical mission: to consult with the entire university community and to reach out to experts in all fields we touch ““ including our higher education partners at California State University and the Community Colleges System ““ to help craft the vision of UC that will best serve California in the years ahead,” Gould said.
“The charge will be to develop a vision for the future of the university that will reaffirm our role in ensuring the excellence of the educational experience in the system, to help sustain California’s economy and cultural life while recognizing that our limited state resources require us to be creative and strategic in meeting our mission.”