LOS ANGELES - Janet Napolitano, the U.S. secretary of Homeland Security and former governor of Arizona, is being named as the next president of the University of California.

It's considered an unusual choice that brings a national-level politician to a position usually held by an academic, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Her appointment also means the 10-campus system will be headed by a woman for the first time in its 145-year history.

Napolitano’s nomination by a committee of UC regents came after a secretive process that insiders said focused on her as a high-profile, although untraditional, candidate who has led large public agencies and shown a strong interest in improving education.

UC officials believe that her Cabinet experiences –- which include helping to lead responses to hurricanes and tornadoes and overseeing some anti-terrorism measures -- will help UC administer its federal energy and nuclear weapons labs and aid its federally funded research in medicine and other areas.

“While some may consider her to be an unconventional choice, Secretary Napolitano is without a doubt the right person at the right time to lead this incredible university," Sherry Lansing, the regent and former film industry executive who headed the search committee, said in a statement released Friday. (Source: Los Angeles Times)

University of California Academic Senate Chair Robert Powell, a faculty representative on the Board of Regents, said Friday “Her hallmark has been promoting transparency and cutting administrative overhead, two laudable priorities all faculty will appreciate.”

Regents Chair Bruce Varner said “The candidate pool was strong, but Secretary Napolitano received a unanimous vote of nomination from the members of the Special Committee. Her acumen, perspective and considerable leadership experience impressed everyone who worked with her during the search process.” (INT)

Story Date: July 16, 2013