Politics & Government

Is Napolitano Ready For UC Presidency?

University of California officials announced Friday that U.S. Department of Homeland Security secretary will take over as school's president.

By Katherine Hafner

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano will likely take over as the next University of California president, officials announced Friday morning.

Napolitano would be the first woman UC president in the public higher education system's 145-year history. She would also be the most “high-profile,” serving 10 campuses and combined student body of 234,464 students.

Because past UC leaders traditionally come from an academia background, Napolitano has already come under some fire. Some say she will not understand the demands of the high-profile university balancing research, academia and other higher education issues.

Napolitano also served as Arizona governor. She graduated from Santa Clara University as the school's first woman valedictorian, according to a UC press release.

Find out what's happening in Cupertinowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The president's duties include working with legislators on higher education matters, serving as an ex-officio member on the governing Board of Regents, meeting with university officials and faculty and so on – primarily serving as the face of the university between other entities and the public.

She was chosen after months of a formal presidential selection process to replace departing UC President Mark Yudof, who announced in January that he would be resigning Aug. 31.

Find out what's happening in Cupertinowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While many have expressed reservations about how Napolitano will handle her new role, others have said she will bring great skill in being able to work with Gov. Jerry Brown and legislators to advocate for higher education and attract reinvestment to the University.

On Friday, President Barack Obama released a statement congratulating his colleague.

“I want to thank Secretary Napolitano for her outstanding work on behalf of the American people over the last four years,” he said in the statement. “And as she begins a new chapter in a remarkable career of public service, I wish her the best of luck.”

Other public figures such as Sen. Dianne Feinstein, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Sen. John McCain and Gov. Jerry Brown also publicly expressed their congratulations on Friday.

The UC Board of Regents must still formally approve the Napolitano nomination for president at its board meeting next week, but Napolitano resigning from her post at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security would indicate a confidence in her selection.

Tell us, in the comments section below:

-Do you think Janet Napolitano’s political background will be helpful for the University of California system?

-What was your initial reaction to the selection?

-Who do you know that works or studies at the UC and how might they be affected?


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here