Becoming a most efficient university transcends mere aspiration; it is a central pillar of UCLA's new strategic plan and will guide the work of our administrative and service units over the next five years. This journey is not a solo endeavor. It is a shared commitment that extends to the thousands of team members who work in UCLA Administration. Together, we are invested in leading and advancing this critical aspect of our institutional evolution, which will touch the four other areas of the plan—deepening our engagement with LA, expanding our reach as a global institution, enhancing our research and creative activities, and elevating how we teach. Within Administration, we also have a new strategic plan that supports the campus plan. Our strategic focus is on data-driven decision-making, technology optimization, sustainable workforce and work practices, and service excellence. Collectively, these plans help shape the future for UCLA and Administration.
Part of knowing where you are going is knowing where you’ve been. As we traverse this path of progress and evolution, it's crucial to underscore the significance of those who have guided UCLA in the years before many of us were here. Two are top-of-mind for me right now. The first is former UCLA Chancellor Charles E. Young, who recently passed away at the age of 91. At the age of 36, Young became the youngest chancellor of a UC campus in University of California history, a role he held for a record 29 years. Prior to becoming UCLA’s chancellor in 1986, Young served as assistant chancellor and vice chancellor for Administration. Young’s legacy is forever embedded in our campus. Similarly, the legacy of Chancellor Gene Block will remain with us long after he steps down from the position at the end of this academic year after 17 years of extraordinary and transformative leadership. Block’s contributions to our campus, our community and higher education and his support and admiration for our teams in Administration cannot be understated.
As we continue on our path, I want to express my profound gratitude to our team members for the contributions you are making —and will continue to make— to this shared mission of supporting UCLA’s strategic plan and making UCLA a more efficient campus. Simultaneously, many of you are investing in your own professional growth by engaging in self-directed learning, pursuing formal education, participating in workshops and embarking on a journey of skill enrichment. Not only does this elevate your knowledge, but it also helps you develop as future leaders here at UCLA. I am excited to support the development of the next generation of leaders, many of whom will come from within our current team rosters. Through mentorship, training and opportunities for skill development, we can ensure that our future leaders are equipped to navigate the university's dynamic landscape effectively.
In closing, I want to commend all of you for an excellent start to the academic year. You never cease to amaze me. I eagerly anticipate the next chapter in our journey and look forward to our continued growth and shared success. Your contributions are integral to the enduring excellence of this extraordinary institution. Thank you for being an essential part of the UCLA community.
Sincerely,
Michael Beck
Administrative Vice Chancellor
