Meet S. Jack Hu: UC Riverside’s New Chancellor Tackling Significant Challenges Ahead

S. Jack Hu has been appointed as the new chancellor of UC Riverside. He brings a wealth of experience from his role as provost at the University of Georgia. This is a significant time for the UC system, especially with recent federal funding cuts and debates over diversity in education.

Hu takes over from Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox, who is retiring after a decade of service. Under Wilcox, UC Riverside saw remarkable growth. Enrollment surged by over 5,000 students, and new facilities, including a $70 million business school, were established. Hu has big shoes to fill, but his background suggests he can lead effectively.

In a statement, UC President Michael V. Drake praised Hu’s commitment to innovation and community service. He believes Hu has the right skills to advance UC Riverside’s mission. Hu himself expressed gratitude for the opportunity, sharing that his journey as an immigrant who became the first in his family to attend college has shaped his values.

At age 61, Hu aims to enhance student success and support in the diverse UC Riverside community. His annual salary will be $824,000, slightly higher than Wilcox’s.

His impressive credentials include a long tenure at the University of Michigan, where he helped to improve graduation rates by 20%. He oversaw a research portfolio worth $1.5 billion, demonstrating his ability to handle complex educational environments.

UC Riverside is at a crossroads, facing challenges like federal funding cuts. Last year, it received over $40 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health, but the future could be uncertain. Hu emphasized the importance of investing in science and innovation, suggesting that without it, the U.S. could fall behind globally.

He plans to diversify funding by looking for support from various sources, including state and industry partners. Hu is especially focused on improving healthcare access for the surrounding Inland Empire community, enhancing research initiatives, and boosting social mobility for students.

The campus, with its rich history and diverse student body, is evolving. UC Riverside began as an agricultural research center and has grown into a center for various scientific studies. Despite its earlier focus, it now ranks among the top public universities in the U.S., known for its research in areas like entomology and air pollution.

However, rapid growth has come with challenges. Students have raised concerns about crowded facilities and limited resources. To tackle these issues, the university is investing in new instructional spaces and student housing, aiming to create a better environment for its growing population.

As Hu steps into his new role, he faces important challenges that will shape the future of UC Riverside and its students. His commitment to diversity and academic excellence may redefine what success looks like for this diverse campus.



Source link