Chancellor

Search for the Chancellor
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, California

The University of California, Riverside (UCR), one of ten campuses of the distinguished University of California (UC) system, invites nominations and applications for the position of Chancellor.

Established in 1954, UCR’s roots trace back to the earliest days of high-impact innovation as a Citrus Experiment Station researching agricultural issues facing Southern California. Today, UCR is a premier research and educational institution and the national leader of the social mobility and student success movement. Located in the thriving Inland Southern California Region on a campus covering nearly 1,200 acres, UCR has more than 1,200 faculty members – including two Nobel Prize winners and 15 members of the National Academies of Science and Medicine – and over 26,000 students. Regarded as one of the most talented and diverse student bodies in the nation, 41% of students are underrepresented minorities, 49% of undergraduates are first-generation college students, and 48% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. UCR has been designated as both a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution (AANAPISI) by the U.S. Department of Education. In 2023, UCR was invited to join the Association of American Universities (AAU), highlighting significant strides made for the university in terms of research and educational excellence, as well as being one of four members to hold both HSI and AANAPISI status. In 2024, UCR was named the No. 1 university in the nation for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report.

Building on its mission to transform the lives of the diverse people of California, the nation, and the world through the discovery, communication, translation, application, and preservation of knowledge – thereby enriching the state’s economic, social, cultural, and environmental future, UCR continues to be recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and accessibility. UCR offers more than 150 majors and minors, 55 master’s programs, 44 Ph.D. programs, and 13 credential programs across three colleges and four professional schools. UCR’s commitment to serving the region was furthered by the founding of the School of Medicine in 2008, which now admits more than half of medical students from the region, and the School of Public Policy in 2012, one of four public policy schools in the UC system. The university consistently ranks as one of the most innovative schools and among those making a significant public impact, having generated $200 million in research expenditures in fiscal year 2023 and contributing $2.7 billion in nationwide annual economic activity.

This moment represents a pivotal opportunity to lead UCR boldly into its next chapter as the university’s 10th chancellor. UCR will look to the Chancellor for leadership and vision to advance its academic, research, and service missions, including the ambitious goals set forth in the UCR 2030 Strategic Plan, while also being forward-thinking in its approach toward inclusive excellence, innovation, shared governance, and community engagement.

Reporting directly to the President of the University of California System, the Chancellor serves as the chief executive officer of the university overseeing all aspects of campus. The incoming Chancellor will engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to guide this vibrant and transformational institution forward. Qualified candidates should have a proven track record of exceptional leadership experience in a complex organization and have a deep commitment and high-level understanding of a rigorous academic and research enterprise. The Chancellor must have a clear vision for the future of higher education and serve as an advocate for UCR within the UC system, the State of California, nationally, and internationally. The Chancellor will have demonstrated success in raising philanthropic funds and achieving community support. The Chancellor will have a clear understanding and appreciation for shared governance and a record of transparent, collaborative, and ethical decision-making. Given UCR’s values, the Chancellor must have experience leading initiatives that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion for students, faculty, and staff, commitment to advancing social mobility, and ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in the Inland Southern California region and beyond.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Applications must be complete to be reviewed for consideration. A complete application includes: 1) CV, 2) completion of the UC Applicant Self-Identification forms. Candidates invited to interview with the committee must also provide a statement of contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion. For best consideration, please submit materials by March 15, 2025.

Isaacson, Miller is assisting the University of California in this search. Applications should be submitted via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-california-riverside/chancellor.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to the Isaacson, Miller consultants supporting the search: Cati Mitchell-Crossley, Partner; Phuong Ta, Managing Associate; and Luciano Zuniga, Associate, at UCRchancellor@imsearch.com.

The University of California, UC Office of the President is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $800,000-$850,000. UC offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision and retirement plans as well as moving, relocation, and housing assistance.

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