It's official. San Jose State University's new president is Paul Yu, a veteran administrator and educator with solid credentials. He also will be the first Asian-American president in the university's 147-year history, an important quality at a diversity-rich campus and community.

Yu said in a statement that he'll continue the school's mission as a public university by supporting quality and access. But that won't be easy. San Jose State is significantly larger than the State University of New York at Brockport, where Yu is currently president. He will need to set a clear vision and make some tough choices during these tight economic times.

California State University Chancellor Charles Reed says Yu is the right pick for San Jose. ``He has a proven record of improving the SUNY Brockport campus, bringing pride and prestige to that campus,'' Reed said. ``He only brings more strength to diversity. And he speaks Chinese languages. With the Asian community in the greater Bay Area, he will be well-received.''

Yu also knows how to develop community partnerships and build business relationships.

If he can make all those strengths work at SJSU, San Jose and the community can look forward to strong new leadership.