Janet Napolitano officially takes the helm as president of the University of Californiatoday.
The former secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and Arizona governor was approved as president in July. Her nomination was met with mixed reactions, including concerns about her lack of experience in education and her department’s record of deporting undocumented individuals.
Some of Napolitano’s biggest challenges will include managing tuition levels as costs increase along with rising pension contributions, expanding online education offerings and constructing more facilities to accommodate for growing enrollment, said former University President Mark Yudof.
The former Secretary of Homeland Security has said she will prioritize reaching out to UC students during her term.
Napolitano will earn $570,000 a year as president and live in an Oakland residence leased by the University.
Yudof said he will teach law at UC Berkeley now that he has retired from his five-year term as president.
Compiled by Kristen Taketa, Bruin senior staff.
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