SUBJECT:

Remarks of Richard C. Atkinson

It is an honor to be selected the 17th President of the University of
California. I come to the position with full knowledge of the enormous
challenges facing the University. More importantly, I am inspired by the
remarkable contributions that the University has made to the
well being of California. The people of California have created the finest
public University in the world, and I am committed to maintaining its
preeminence.

As we approach the 21st century, the University is more critical than ever
to the economic vitality and social integrity of our society:

In economic terms, a society's wealth was once thought to be dependent upon
its natural resources. Today, a society's wealth is the knowledge,
creativity and problem-solving abilities of its citizens. It is the
University's responsibility--shared with the state's other public and
private institutions--to enable Californians to achieve their full
potential. We must continue to provide a challenging and rewarding
education to our students so that they can compete in the
global economy in which we now live.

In social terms, universities provide opportunities for students from
widely varying backgrounds to come together and develop respect and
understanding for each other. It is here that individual
threads are woven together into a strong and resilient social fabric. We
must continue to provide the highest quality education to the full spectrum
of qualified students. We must keep this commitment alive for our
grandchildren and their grandchildren.

The University's ability to contribute to the economic and social well
being of California is dependent upon its capacity to create new knowledge
through research. Not only does research and scholarship contribute to
the excellence of our teaching programs, but it also yields large
dividends in the form of new industries, new jobs, and an improved quality
of life. We must do everything we can to maintain the vitality of the
University's research programs.

In order to accomplish our mission, we will need to set clear priorities:

  First, the University must continue to attract and retain the best
qualified faculty and staff by remaining competitive with other leading
universities.

  Second, to ensure that all students are afforded a quality education,
the University must work with the California State University System and
the California Community Colleges to maintain the promise of the Master
Plan for Higher Education.

  Third, the University must provide greater assistance to elementary
and secondary schools to give young people the best possible start in life.

  Fourth, the University must forge new research partnerships with
industry and government to ensure California's continued economic progress.

  Finally, we must develop new management systems for the University
that promote efficiency and guarantee accountability to the people of
California.

Over the past several years, The Regents and President Peltason have held
the University together through one of the most difficult periods in the
history of California. More challenges are ahead. As we meet these
challenges, I am convinced that the University will continue to
provide rich dividends to the people of California who have so generously
supported the institution throughout its history.

This institution has a special place in my heart, and I will do my utmost
to ensure its future.

Richard C. Atkinson Chancellor