Professor Emeritus Lawrence Pitts was appointed as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs of the University of California system at last week’s UC Board of Regents meeting.
Pitts was recommended for the position by UC President Mark Yudof, who described Pitts as a “passionate and able advocate,” according to a statement from the UC Office of the President.
The provost is the chief academic officer of the university and is responsible at the system-wide level for all academic programs, Pitts said.
The responsibilities of the provost include setting policies on student admissions, student life, financial aid, academic preparation and outreach, research, and student fees, he said.
Pitts said the largest concern for the university’s future lies with the presence of quality faculty.
A professor emeritus of neurosurgery at UC San Francisco, Pitts has served as a UC faculty member since 1975. He was also a past chair of the UC Academic Senate, according to a UCOP statement.
As provost, Pitts is planning to conduct campus visits and hold meetings with student leaders regarding issues such as the recent acts of hate at UC San Diego, UC Irvine and UC Davis.
“I plan to talk to students to see what programs to improve campus tolerance are most effective,” he said.
Compiled by Julienne Lauler, Bruin reporter.