Greetings, ANR colleagues,
I'm pleased to be able to offer some additional information on the Huron Consulting Group's review of UCOP's organizational structure and share their report with you. [See report attached to Feb. 8 ANR Update email.] I want to strongly emphasize that the options presented in the report are just that: possible options from one consulting firm while other reviews and consultations are also taking place. President Napolitano and UC Board of Regents Chair George Kieffer have both stated very clearly that the options presented by the Huron consultants are open to consideration, but may or may not be pursued; further analysis and feedback is desired.
I realize that many of you have now seen the Los Angeles Time's article reporting that “UC President Janet Napolitano is considering a potentially sweeping overhaul of her office…” In that article, one of the possible scenarios called out was an option to place UC ANR as an entity within the UC Davis campus. I, and other UC leaders, have already expressed serious doubts that having ANR placed within any single campus would best serve the UC system or our many diverse stakeholders throughout the state; I have briefed UCOP leadership on the downsides to such an option.
The other option, creating a “new location” combining several programs with our division, also has issues that we have highlighted to UCOP. President Napolitano is working closely with various UC stakeholders to analyze Huron's report and the various options offered. At this point, I have been asked to offer ideas on how to position ANR to enhance collaborations throughout the entire UC system and to best serve the important research and public service mission for which we are responsible. It remains to be seen how exactly this restructuring will impact UC ANR; however, early discussions have been very positive.
We all know that UC ANR is a unique part of the university; we serve every county of the state and bring the resources of UC directly to local communities. Our advisors and specialists work with the entire UC system, and a wide array of external partners, to solve local and global problems while serving California's needs. The attached report offers ways to share comments directly to UCOP and you may always share your thoughts with us at http://ucanr.edu/sites/ANRUpdate/Comments.
Rest assured that I will remain closely engaged in the process, providing the president my thoughts on the optimal way to position UC ANR appropriately and effectively. We have had several meetings already, and I am quite optimistic that this process will serve our UC ANR mission well. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Best wishes and thanks for all that you do!
Glenda Humiston
Vice President
View or leave comments for ANR Leadership at http://ucanr.edu/sites/ANRUpdate/Comments.
This announcement is also posted and archived on the ANR Update pages.
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