Cal State Northridge May Not Get New Chief Till 2000

The search for a permanent replacement for departing Cal State Northridge President Blenda J. Wilson will probably take up to six months, with her permanent successor not expected to begin work until January, Cal State University officials said Wednesday.

In the meantime, an interim candidate will be sought, possibly from another Cal State campus or from a pool of retired educators, officials said.

Wilson surprised the campus Tuesday when she announced that she will leave in June after nearly seven years as president to head a nonprofit educational foundation in Massachusetts.

CSU Chancellor Charles Reed and William Hauck, chairman of the Board of Trustees, say they will look for an experienced, press-savvy educator to run the school, one of the state’s largest universities.

“We need somebody who has vision, a good leader,” Reed said. “We need somebody that can take the university to the next level. Somebody with presidential experience, academic experience, who can motivate people to buy into where the university is headed.”

Said Hauck: “We’ll want a person who has got good political instincts and good judgment and a demonstrated track record in raising money.”

The school’s $393-million earthquake recovery is scheduled for completion in 2000, setting the stage for the university to enter the next century with an expanded and modernized campus.

The new president could also benefit from such initiatives by Wilson as an expanded teacher education program and new university and business partnerships.

Compensation for Cal State presidents ranges from $142,920 at the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo to $202,404 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Wilson plans to meet Friday with Reed to discuss the transition.

The board also is seeking a new president for Cal State Dominguez Hills and is scheduled to announce finalists for that position next week.