SUBJECT:

Retirement – Vice Chancellor John A. Woods

It is with deep appreciation and sincere regret that I announce the retirement of John Woods, Vice Chancellor for Resource Management & Planning, effective December 31, 2006. Vice Chancellor Woods began his career at UCSD as Associate Vice Chancellor for Resource Management in 1982 and has served in his current capacity since 1993. John’s impact on the campus has been immeasurable and his contributions to UCSD’s phenomenal success will be felt for many years.

As Vice Chancellor for Resource Management and Planning, John’s responsibilities include policy development and management of the campus operating and capital budgets, capital planning, land-use planning, facilities design and construction, real estate development, audit, and administrative records functions. And, until the recent campus reorganization, he also supervised the offices of Contract and Grant Administration and Technology Transfer & Intellectual Property Services.

Although I understand and respect Vice Chancellor Woods’ decision to retire at this time, I regret losing this dedicated colleague and important campus leader. John has been a significant member of the leadership team here for the last 24 years, providing creative, analytical, and strategic skill that has helped the campus bring initiatives like Calit2, Preuss School, and the UCSD Science Research Park to fruition. John’s contributions also include: the development of the campus’ 2004 Long Range Development Plan, which ensures the orderly build out of the campus to steady state; and a successful negotiation with the Office of the President to return an increased share of the indirect cost recovery generated on the campus to help UCSD meet its academic and administrative challenges. His style embodies the essence of shared governance—allowing the academic vision to flourish through collaboration and the application of strong administrative leadership. His commitment to this campus has been unwavering and was particularly evident when, over a year ago, John willingly took on the additional role of Interim Vice Chancellor for External Relations. On a personal note, since my arrival two years ago, I have come to value his wise counsel and friendship.

Under John’s tenure, the campus’ capital inventory has grown from approximately four million gross square feet to approximately 11 million gross square feet—a portfolio of approximately $1.5 billion. Another $1 billion in capital improvements is planned and reflects collaboration with our academic leaders to integrate UCSD’s commitment and vision to environmentally sustainable and sound buildings.

John leaves UCSD at an exciting time in our history. He leaves behind a team of talented staff poised to carry on resource planning for new initiatives, ensuring a smooth transition. His UCSD service caps a distinguished career in public service, including the roles of consultant to the U.S. Office of Education in Washington, D.C., program analyst for the Office of the Legislative Analyst California Legislature, and Director of Analysis at the UC Office of the President. He holds a Ph.D. in Education and an M.B.A. from Stanford University, and a B.A. in Economics from UC Berkeley.

Please join me in offering heartfelt thanks to Vice Chancellor Woods for his exemplary service and wishing him well in retirement.

A national search will be conducted for his successor.

Marye Anne Fox Chancellor