Cambridge to California

Friday, March 7, 1997COMMUNITY:

Praise for fund-raising, business skills offset concerns about
outsider statusBy Frances Lee and Hannah Miller

Daily Bruin Contributors

No university is an island unto itself, and UCLA is no
exception. The selection of Albert Carnesale as UCLA’s new
chancellor denotes a shift in leadership that is sure to
reverberate throughout the surrounding community.

Responses from politicians and alumni to Thursday’s appointment
of Carnesale ranged from the enthusiastic to the cautious. While
Carnesale’s fund-raising capabilities and academic prestige are
seen as pluses, they are countered by his inexperience with state
politics and community relations with the Los Angeles community at
large, of which Chancellor Charles Young is an active
participant.

"UCLA is the premier academic institution in Los Angeles," said
Lt. Gov. Gray Davis. "Appointing a new chancellor is tantamount to
electing a new mayor."

Atkinson noted that the search process was nothing short of
complicated. "There were a large number of factors involved. There
was no single overriding factor in the decision," he said.

"This is a great, great day for the University of California.
That (Robert) Berdahl (the incoming Berkeley chancellor) and
Carnesale would take these positions ­ it’s a great tribute to
the excellence of the University of California," Atkinson said.

Atkinson and the regents stressed that Carnesale’s position as
an external candidate had no bearing on the selection process,
although some members of the extended UCLA community voiced concern
over the issue.

"I was surprised (at Carnesale’s appointment)," said Robert
Grace, president of the UCLA Black Alumni Association. "There were
rumors that (the regents) were going to look for someone inside the
university, and that they were placing an emphasis on diversity. On
both counts, they came up short."

The announcement of Carnesale’s appointment was met by general
enthusiasm from local officials.

"I am confident that he will forge an even stronger partnership
between Los Angeles and UCLA," said Los Angeles Mayor Richard
Riordan.

The sentiment of cooperation was echoed by city supervisor Zev
Yaroslavsky, a UCLA alumnus. "I look forward to working with him on
mutual issues" concerning UCLA and the city, he said.

For many politicos and legislators, one of Carnesale’s chief
attributes is his fund-raising prowess. Wally Knox, 42nd state
Assembly District representative, said that this emphasis on
fund-raising may have positive effects on student finances.

"As a student at Harvard (during Carnesale’s tenure), I know
that what Carnesale did by maintaining the university’s endowment
was crucial," Knox said. "And as a legislator concerned with
student fees, I think that he will be able to hold them down.

"I attended Harvard on a scholarship, and otherwise I would
never have been able to afford it," he recalled. Such an emphasis
on fund-raising will also allow UCLA to "attract the highest
quality of faculty," he speculated.

Carnesale’s private-school experience is also seen as closer to
business management than the traditional style of UC
administrators.

"I think he’s a very exciting choice," Davis said. "My hope is
that being a provost at a private school has given him a great deal
of financial expertise," he said.

"Too much money slips through the cracks at the UCs," Davis
said. He pointed to the recent embezzlement charges brought against
an administrator in the UC president’s office. "Hopefully,
Carnesale will jealously guard the taxpayers’ interest."

Carnesale also steps into a position asking for increased
political accountability. Unlike their private school counterparts,
UC chancellors must also answer to the UC president, the Board of
Regents, the state legislature, Gov. Pete Wilson and the occasional
bomb-drop from California’s ballot initiative system.

"The legislature has somehow assimilated itself into the the UC
process, through Gov. Wilson’s work on affirmative action," said
64th District state assembly member Rod Pacheco, "… whether we
should or not."

Pacheco, who is also the vice chair of the Assembly Education
Committee, has UC Riverside within his district. "If UCR had to
make a chancellorship decision, they might very well hire someone
from the Ivy League. I personally make my hiring decisions based on
the person, not the pedigree."

Although Cambridge, Mass., and Los Angeles may appear to be
cultural opposites, city councilman Mike Feuer disagrees. "There
are many analogies between Cambridge and the Westwood area," Feuer
said.

As Feuer explains it, the university lies in the center of
Harvard Square area, which greatly resembles Westwood in
demographics and economics. The outlying area is "one of the most
diverse on the East Coast," Feuer said.

"If I can graduate from Harvard Law School and come out and work
on the city council, I think Carnesale can run an educational
institution," Feuer added.

From the local vantage point, Carnesale can expect to mediate
between UCLA and the commercial community that surrounds it. "He’s
going to have to face Westwood-related developmental concerns,"
Feuer said.

"Any time you have a residential community on one side and a
commercial district on the other, there are going to be tensions.
It’s going to take a great deal of skill to navigate those waters,
especially as Westwood stands to go through a renaissance."

That Carnesale has a strong academic background appeared an
asset with 35th District state Assembly member Brooks Firestone. "I
like the fact that he is well renowned in his own field, in arms
negotiation and in science."

It was for this reason that Firestone, who is also a vice chair
with the Assembly’s Higher Education Committee, drew a favorable
parallel between Carnesale and Chancellor Henry Yang of UC Santa
Barbara.

"We’ve worked out very well with Chancellor Yang," said
Firestone, whose district includes UCSB. "He’s a well-respected
scientist who has hit if off extremely well on the campus."

Regardless of his academic merits, Feuer commented, there will
be a "significant learning curve" for Carnesale.

"Coming from outside is always difficult for a new leader," said
Feuer. "But as an outsider, he may bring a fresh perspective."

Mike Feuer

City councilman

"If I can graduate from Harvard Law School and come out and work
on the city council, I think Carnesale can run an educational
institution."

Wally Knox

State assemblyman

"As a student at Harvard (during Carnesale’s tenure), I know
that what Carnesale did by maintaining the university’s endowment
was crucial. And as a legislator concerned with student fees, I
think that he will be able to hold them down."

Gray Davis

Lieutenant governor

"My hope is that being a provost at a private school has given
him a great deal of financial expertise. Too much money slips
through the cracks at the UCs. Hopefully, Carnesale will jealously
guard the taxpayer’s interest."

CONTINUED COVERAGE: Cambridge to California

Harvard Provost Albert Carnesale named UCLA’s eighth
chancellor

CARNESALE: Young’s successor praised by most campus leaders

REACTION: Carnesale’s impact on governance, access prompts
worries

COMMUNITY: Praise for fundraising, business skills offset
concerns about outsider status

CAMBRIDGE: University’s students feel indifferent to provost’s
appointment

LEADERS: UCLA Leaders through the yearsPAST COVERAGE: Search for
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Uneasiness follows chancellor’s announcement

Young plans active retirement

New UC chancellors appointed

UCLA faculty holds forum to honor retiring chancellor

Chancellor finalists confirmed

Benefit dinner honor’s chancellor’s 29 years of service

New chancellor to be announced Thrusday

Carnesale next chancellor