Promising Choice for UCI

After his designation last week as UC Irvine’s new chancellor, Ralph Cicerone was cited by those who know him best as a leader right for the time and place. In picking a popular scientist who has a common touch, the UC regents have selected someone with an intimate knowledge of UC Irvine’s mission. He also appears to bring to the assignment broad skills suited to a relatively young university that is growing in prominence.

In recent decades, the campus has gone from being a mere dream for the south end of Irvine to a leading institution on the national scene. The awarding of Nobel Prizes to two professors in 1995 solidified the stature of the university. The goal of Cicerone’s predecessor Laurel L. Wilkening to move the university into the ranks of the nation’s top 50 research institutions has been achieved. Despite rocky times over a fertility scandal and painful budget choices in recent years, the campus has emerged at the end of the century poised for an important role in Southern California.

Cicerone already has had a strategic role in helping position the school for the years ahead. He conducted leading research on the ozone layer before moving to administration in 1994, and has earned plaudits for his work as a scholar and administrator. As dean of the School of Physical Sciences, he has blended his background as a top atmospheric chemist with skill as a manager and fund-raiser.

On the national level, Cicerone has been active on science policy, and researchers noted that he likely would serve as a magnet for top talent. The range of interests that have inspired him to analyze rice plants also had him toying with the idea of being a baseball broadcaster. In a campus environment that has prided itself on diversity, these qualities can serve him well.

The new chancellor still will have to worry about money and getting Sacramento to ante up. There have been fiscal problems at the university’s medical center that will remain a stiff challenge. Relationships between university researchers and the high-tech and biotechnology industries will test his vision.

UC Irvine plays a critical role now in the life of Orange County. Its new chancellor appears to be a sound choice to lead his institution into the next century. We wish him well in the assignment.