Chancellor

The University of California, Santa Barbara
Search for the Chancellor

The University of California invites nominations and applications for the position of Chancellor of the University of California, Santa Barbara campus. 

The Chancellor is the chief executive officer of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), and is responsible to the President of the University of California. Within the scope of University policy, the Chancellor exercises broad authority over and is responsible for all aspects of campus administration.

The University of California Santa Barbara was founded in 1909 as the Santa Barbara State Normal School which then became the Santa Barbara State Teachers College in 1921. In 1944, the college became part of the University of California System as the Santa Barbara College of the University of California. In 1958, the Regents designated the University of California Santa Barbara as a general university campus. Since then and particularly under the leadership of long-serving Chancellor Henry T. Yang, UCSB now offers a dynamic environment that prizes academic inquiry and interpersonal connection to inspire scholarly ambition, creativity, and discoveries with wide-ranging impact.  A member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) since 1995, UCSB is a leading public research university that enrolls over 26,000 students, with 933 full-time faculty members spread across 5 colleges and schools and the Graduate Division, 74 academic departments, 200 programs, and 16 research units and 12 nationally designated research centers, with an endowment of $584.2 million as of FY23. The University counts among its faculty, 6 Nobel laureates, 31 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 25 members of the National Academy of Engineering, and 40 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The faculty also includes a Pulitzer Prize recipient, two Academy and Emmy Award winners, and a recipient of the Millennium Technology Prize. 

The University of California, Santa Barbara, while a leading research institution, also provides a comprehensive liberal arts learning experience. Teaching and research go hand-in-hand at UCSB. Students are full participants in an educational journey of discovery that stimulates independent thought, critical reasoning, and creativity. The academic community of faculty, students, and staff is characterized by a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that is responsive to the needs of a multicultural and global society. All of this takes place within a living and learning environment like no other, as inspiration is drawn from the beauty and resources of UCSB’s extraordinary location at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

UC Santa Barbara students are inquisitive and curious, community-driven, and globally-focused. They thrive because UCSB prizes academic inquiry and interpersonal connection, inspiring scholarly ambition, creativity, and discoveries with wide-ranging impact. The campus offers more than 500 student clubs and organizations, from student-engagement clubs to advocacy groups to public service organizations. UCSB, a member of the Big West Athletic Conference, fields 20 men’s and women’s athletics teams with more than 460 student-athletes. UCSB also strives for a community that fosters an open, inclusive, and productive environment in which the potential of all individuals to make a positive contribution is respected and valued. Of the undergraduate student population, ~33% come from underrepresented groups, 36% are Pell Grant recipients, and ~34% are first-generation.  

The next Chancellor of UCSB should be a dynamic, visionary, and inclusive leader with the academic expertise, financial acumen, and dedication to diversity, sustainability, and research excellence necessary to propel UCSB forward. Building upon the legacy of Chancellor Yang, they must champion student success, engage deeply with the local and campus community, and build strong external relationships to ensure the university’s continued prominence. 

To be effective in this role, they should possess:

• a range of qualities and characteristics that align with UCSB’s mission, values, and aspirations;
• a bold and strategic vision for UCSB’s growth in academics, research, and community engagement, while maintaining its reputation as a leading public research university;
• a demonstrated commitment to innovation across academic disciplines and research areas driving UCSB forward as a leader in interdisciplinary research;
• experience in a large and complex organization positioning them with the skills and ability to navigate within and across the University of California System; and 
• financial acumen as well as strong fundraising abilities, including the capacity to build relationships with donors, industry partners, and governmental agencies.

The ideal candidate must be: 

• a distinguished academic with a strong understanding of the academic enterprise, research excellence, and faculty needs;
• committed to the high standards of teaching and research for which UCSB is known;
• a forward-thinking leader committed to promoting environmental stewardship, including a commitment to advancing sustainability efforts on campus and fostering research that addresses global climate challenges;
• able to demonstrate their support for initiatives that foster a culture of inclusion, promote diversity, and address systemic inequities; and 
• an authentic advocate for student success, including a focus on student mental health, financial aid, and ensuring a safe and inclusive campus environment.

Applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications must include a current CV to be reviewed for consideration. Additional application materials will be required during the review process.

Greenwood Asher is assisting the University of California with this search. Reviews of candidate materials will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. For best consideration, please submit materials by January 17, 2025.  Candidates are welcome to apply at Greenwood Asher’s confidential email: UCSBChancellor@greenwoodsearch.com. 

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to the Greenwood Asher consultants supporting this search: Jim Johnsen, Bob Caret, Marion Frenche, and Julie Holley at UCSBChancellor@greenwoodsearch.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 to $850,000. UC offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision and retirement plans as well as moving, relocation, and housing assistance.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.