The CSU system has been searching for a new chancellor to replace Charles B. Reed after he announced his retirement in May. He served 14 years in the position.
The search for the next chancellor began with a closed meeting on Aug. 21.
During this closed meeting, the board of trustees reviewed the candidates up for the position, said Liz Chapin, public affairs assistant at the CSU.
Reed, 70, will stay on as chancellor until a replacement is found sometime early in the fall. The CSU board of trustees has formed a seven member committee, led by trustee William Hauck, to help find a candidate.
The committee held a public hearing on June 28 at their Long Beach office to find out what the Cal State community would want from the next chancellor and then held a closed session to go over public concerns.
Faculty and students said they want a chancellor with transparency and experience within a university system. Some students even requested that the new chancellor be in favor of a pay cut. Chancellor Reed currently makes $421,500 annually in addition to a $30,000 housing allowance provided by the CSU Foundation, according to an L.A. Times article.
The last few years with Reed have been filled with budget cuts and student protests as well as criticisms over new campus presidents’ increased salaries. Reed had even been scrutinized over spending habits regarding CSU board meetings and events. Reed, however, has also been praised for his leadership during the tough economic times.
“Our campuses have continued to flourish,” Reed said in a message announcing his retirement to all CSU students, faculty and staff. “Even in the face of budgetary challenges and tremendous growth. I want to assure you that the California State University will continue to carry out its mission every day to educate and serve its students.”
Current state treasurer, Bill Lockyer, has stated interest in the position. The CSU could not comment on his standing in the review process.
Lockyer, 71, is also a former assembly member from 1973-1982, former state senate leader from 1983-1998, and former attorney general from 1999-2007.
