SAN FRANCISCO — State and University of California officials praised the nomination of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to lead California’s flagship university system, though critics pointed out that she has little experience in the education field.
Napolitano’s nomination announced by university officials on Friday follows a rocky stretch for one of the nation’s most prestigious public school systems that includes the University of California, Berkeley and UCLA. UC has recently faced tighter budgets and raucous protests over tuition, which has nearly doubled in the last five years.
In addition to her tenure as homeland security secretary, Napolitano was governor of Arizona and U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. But she has never served as head of an academic institution or system.
“She might have a lot of background in government, but there is concern about the depth of her knowledge and experience in higher education,” said Bob Samuels, president of the University Council-American Federation of Teachers, a union that represents about 4,000 non-tenured UC faculty and librarians.
Chair of the selection committee Sherry Lansing acknowledged Napolitano is an unconventional choice, but said in a statement Napolitano brings management experience and leadership to the role. Lansing declined to comment more on how and why Napolitano was chosen through a UC spokeswoman.
Gov. Jerry Brown said her “outsider’s mind” would be a boon.
