Dive Summary:
- Former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano is resigning as the U.S. secretary of Homeland Security for a new appointment as president of the University of California system.
- She will be the first female to head the 10-campus system in its 145-year existence.
- As a politician and not an academic, Napolitano is a non-traditional choice for the role, though officials believe her experiences leading large public agencies and serving on President Barack Obama's Cabinet will help the system in the management of its federal energy and nuclear weapons labs, and also aid with federally funded research in areas like medicine.
From the article:
... “While some may consider her to be an unconventional choice, Secretary Napolitano is without a doubt the right person at the right time to lead this incredible university," Sherry Lansing, the regent and former film industry executive who headed the search committee, said in a statement being released Friday. "She will bring fresh eyes and a new sensibility -- not only to UC, but to all of California. She will stand as a vigorous advocate for faculty, students and staff at a time when great changes in our state, and across the globe, are presenting as many opportunities as challenges.” ...