At a special meeting on December 21, 2006, the Regents of the University of California approved the appointment of University Provost Gene Block to the position of chancellor of the University of California--Los Angeles. Block will assume his new position July 2007. Block's move follows a fall announcement that College Dean Ed Ayers would depart to become president of the University of Richmond this summer, leaving two high-level administrative vacancies at the University just months after the kickoff of the $3 billion Capital Campaign.
"We create strong, ambitious leaders with a great deal of autonomy, and we applaud their desire to move on to new opportunities," University President John T. Casteen, III said. "While I am pleased that those outside our community are looking for their next leaders from among our ranks, such changes put stress on our system, especially in light of our current campaign." Casteen said the search for Block's successor will begin after winter break.
"Our job now is twofold: to keep the good work that Gene has begun moving forward, and to move quickly and diligently to assure a smooth transition in leadership," he said. Block, who has been on the U.Va. faculty since 1978, said there are many things he will miss about the University.
"The faculty and the students are a gracious family," Block said. "It is a profound experience, leaving Virginia. I will leave with great sadness, however this is the opportunity to lead a great university."
Block has held his current position as provost and vice president for five years and also holds a chair in the biology department, where he has focused his research on the sleep cycle in nature. Those who recommended Block for the UCLA position highlighted his accomplishments as a biologist and administrator, said Robert C. Dynes, president of the University of California system. Gerald Parsky, chair of the Board of Regents, also cited Block's service at the University, as well as his character, as reasons for his appointment.
"A number of us have gotten to know Gene well during the search process," Parsky said. "He is a distinguished biologist and administrator at one of our nation's most prestigious public institutions of higher learning --- the University of Virginia." Casteen also praised Block and said he will be missed at the University.
"Gene Block has been known in the University of Virginia community for his strong commitment to public service, his excellent judgment, his dedication to core academic values, and his profound mind," Casteen said in an e-mail. "Gene's background as a researcher and his years in the classroom gave him an intimate understanding of the challenges faculty face every day. His years as a University administrator added a high level of understanding of University-wide needs and opportunities. His steady guidance will be greatly missed." UCLA, along with UC--Berkeley, is one of the most prominent universities within the 10-campus University of California system. It boasts 38,000 students and one of the country's best medical centers. It is also prominent nationally, and is ranked 26th on the U.S. News and World Report list of "top national universities," closely behind the University and the University of Michigan, which are tied at 24th.
UCLA students present at Thursday's meeting called on the new chancellor to improve diversity at the school and increase the administrations support for student services and student-initiated programs.
Block will fill the vacancy left by former UCLA chancellor Albert Carnesale, who left UCLA last summer. Since then UCLA law professor Norman Abrams has served as acting chancellor at the school. While he would not give specifics about the search for his replacement at the University, Block said he believed the administration would make a good choice.
"I think that President Casteen will make a smart decision for the future of the University," Block said. "I am confident about that."
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