Thursday, January 26, 2006
Gupta would emphasize 'bold' requirements for UA programs
LA MONICA EVERETT-HAYNES
Tucson Citizen
Yash P. Gupta, a California business school dean, pledged to improve diversity and said he would emphasize establishing "bold" educational program requirements if appointed University of Arizona president.
"A human being is made by experiences, not just by the education you receive," said Gupta, 53, dean and professor of operations management at University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business.
"The travels you do, your readings - these are things that enrich us," Gupta said, adding that he would like more students to have international study experiences. "They are not simply just add-ons."
Asked in one meeting what values he admires most in his staff, Gupta answered, "integrity, ethics, care."
Gupta, the father of two adult sons, is the last of four finalists for UA president to visit the campus.
The other three are Robert N. Shelton, executive vice chancellor and provost of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Tom Campbell, a dean and professor in the University of California at Berkeley's Haas School of Business; and Deborah A. Freund, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Syracuse University.
Arizona Board of Regents members are expected to meet tomorrow to discuss the finalist, and may appoint the successor to UA President Peter Likins, who is retiring in June after nine years at the school's helm, said Fred Boice, a regent and presidential search committee chairman. Gupta, who has spent two years in his current position, said he is ready to lead UA.
After listening to Gupta, local businessman and UA Foundation board Chairman Humberto Lopez said he would likely make a good UA president.
"He's a great orator. I liked him. I like him," Lopez said, noting Gupta's knowledge of the university and the state. "Preparedness is important. He spoke about that."
Gupta said he is also concerned about the future - beyond the years he would serve as UA president.
"We had better employ every single being we can in our nation, and be productive," Gupta said, speaking about the demand for a qualified and innovative work force. "We need every single soul we can get."
That means holding universities, community colleges and public schools accountable for turning out a diverse and knowledgeable student body, he said.
Such words speak to Gupta's concern for the future and love for all things academic.
"I call it God's work because we do something to create the future together," he said at a morning meeting. "Generation after generation comes and does better than the one before only because of the impact of education."
Gupta said he wants to see the UA College of Medicine in Phoenix elevated to national prominence.
Varun Bhartia, who attended one of the day's late sessions, said he admired Gupta's ideas for boldness.
"I agree with that, especially as we try to make UA on par with universities like UC-Berkeley and (the University of) Michigan," said Bhartia, 21, an electrical engineering junior.
"I don't feel UA is doing anything bold," he said. "He has some great ideas."
