Timothy White Appointed CSU Chancellor

The CSU Board of Trustees named Timothy P. White, chancellor of the University of California, Riverside, as the seventh chancellor to lead the CSU system.

White, 63, has served as UCR Chancellor since 2008 and was among the finalists for the position to succeed Chancellor Charles B. Reed who announced his retirement following a 14-year tenure with the system. He is expected to start in his new position at the end of December. More.

Made by the Master Plan

White is a product of California’s Master Plan. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the first-generation college student immigrated to California and pursued his higher education from Diablo Valley Community College, Fresno State, CSU East Bay, and his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley—all three of California’s public higher education systems.

White spent two years as a post-doctoral scholar in physiology at the University of Michigan before starting his academic career at Ann Arbor in 1978. Although he went on to pursue leadership roles in higher education, he remains internationally recognized for his research in muscle plasticity, injury and aging, and is a professor of biology and biomedical sciences. More.

An Accomplished Leader

During his tenure as UCR’s eighth chancellor, White has led the UC system’s most diverse campus though a period of tremendous growth—seeing the campus grow to more than 21,000 students for the first time in its history, and establishing new schools of medicine and public policy.

Soon after his appointment in 2008, White formed a committee of several hundred faculty, staff and community members to forge an innovative strategic plan, which has guided the university’s next stage of development as a major player among first-rate research institutions.

Focused on the Future

In a news conference Thursday, CSU leaders including Chancellor Reed said White has the skills and experience necessary to lead the largest four-year public higher education system in the country.

“I am pleased the board selected a candidate who understands the CSU’s mission,” Reed said. “He has a solid passion, interest and understanding of this role.”

White said he felt humbled, honored and grateful by the selection, and was prepared to lead the CSU. More.