UCSC's 10th Chancellor

George R. Blumenthal, the 10th Chancellor of UC Santa Cruz, is a distinguished professor of astronomy and astrophysics who has been an academic leader both at UC Santa Cruz and within the University of California system. He joined UCSC in 1972 and has served as chair of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, chair of the UCSC Academic Senate and as chair of the UC systemwide Academic Senate.

The Regents of the University of California made Chancellor Blumenthal's appointment permanent September 19, 2007. He had served as acting chancellor since July 2006.

In a recent conversation, Chancellor Blumenthal looks to the future and reflects on UCSC's past and its evolution as a nationally ranked university.

Highlights

Chancellor submits campus two-year goals to UC president's office

Chancellor Blumenthal submitted to the UC Office of the President the campus goals for academic years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. The 15-page document highlights how the campus intends to invest short term, and what longer-term actions it plans in order to continue the momentum of academic programs.

Chancellor welcomes UCSC community back to campus to fall quarter

In a video message to the campus community, Chancellor Blumenthal welcomes students, staff, and faculty back to campus for the fall 2009 quarter. The chancellor speaks about the promise and impact of UC Santa Cruz and about the challenges ahead as a result of state budget cuts. The video may be viewed here. A written transcript of the chancellor's remarks is available here.

Chancellor reports to Board of Regents on campus academic strategic plan

In a report to the UC Board of Regents Committee on Educational Policy on September 16, Chancellor Blumenthal described UCSC as a "young, vibrant campus continuing its ascent within the prism of tough economic realities." UC President Yudof has asked each UC chancellor – over a two-year period - to provide the committee with a comprehensive presentation of that campus's strategic plan.

Blumenthal named to UC Regents chair's Commission on the Future

Chancellor Blumenthal has been named co-chair of the Size and Shape of UC working group established under Regents Chairman Russell Gould's UC Commission on the Future. Gould launched the commission in July to shape a far-reaching vision to ensure excellence and access to UC in the future while addressing acute financial challenges resulting from the state's fiscal woes.

Chancellor tells Regents of impacts of two years of budget cuts

Speaking at the UC Board of Regents meeting July 15, Chancellor Blumenthal described the impact that two years of budget cuts are having on the UCSC campus.

Chancellor hails agreement with city, county of Santa Cruz

Chancellor Blumenthal calls the historic agreement with the city and county of Santa Cruz "good for the campus and good for Santa Cruz." It will allow UCSC to implement its academic plan and further meet the educational needs of students and the state while mitigating the effects on the community.