SUBJECT: Appointment of Acting Senior Vice Chancellor - Academic Affairs

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Suresh Subramani, Professor of Molecular Biology and Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Planning and Resources (AVC-AP&R), as Acting Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (SVCAA), effective October 1, 2010 and continuing until a permanent SVCAA is appointed.

As AVC-AP&R since February 2009, Professor Subramani has served as a key advisor to SVCAA Paul Drake on a wide range of issues and has been responsible for planning, oversight and the implementation of new campus academic programs and initiatives. He has provided essential leadership in the planning of resources to meet programmatic and capital program goals, in the development of the State Capital Improvement Plan, and has overseen the use of technology-enhanced instruction.

A highly distinguished cell and molecular biologist, Professor Subramani has been a member of the UC San Diego faculty since 1981. He received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley and is world renowned for his work in the field of peroxisome biogenesis and disassembly. Professor Subramani is an outstanding scholar and recipient of several awards, including the Searle Scholar Award, an NCI Research Career Development Award, and Guggenheim Fellowship. He is an outstanding teacher, has an excellent record as a graduate student mentor and advisor, and a strong record of international, national and UC service.

Professor Subramani has served as the last Chair of the Department of Biology prior to its reorganization as a Division, as the Interim Associate Dean for the Division of Biological Sciences in 2000-2001, Interim Dean in 2006-2007, and as Associate Dean for Operations in 2007-2008. Professor Subramani's strong administrative experience, his academic accomplishments, values, energy, and vision make him exceptionally well suited to serve as Acting SVCAA.

I deeply appreciate his willingness to serve in this capacity until a permanent SVCAA is identified. As Acting SVCAA, Professor Subramani will have authority and responsibility for all decisions involving Academic Affairs.

Effective October 1, Professor Emeritus of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and former AVC-AP&R David Miller will serve as Acting AVC-AP&R. I am grateful for his continued dedication and service to the campus as he provides essential support to Acting SVCAA Subramani.

The search for a permanent SVCAA continues. Nominations may be forwarded to Search Committee Co-Chair Larry Smarr (lsmarr@ucsd.edu) or Search Consultant Alberto Pimentel (A.Pimentel@storbeckpimentel.com).

With the appointment of Professor Subramani as Acting SVCAA and the assistance of Acting AVC-AP&R Miller, I am confident that Academic Affairs will continue to be in capable hands.