SAN FRANCISCO — The California State University system on Thursday selected a new chancellor to lead the nation’s largest collection of four-year colleges as it faces significant financial and academic challenges.
University officials said Thursday that Timothy P. White, currently the chancellor of the University of California, Riverside, will take charge of the CSU system, which has 427,000 students on 23 campuses.
White, 63, will replace Charles B. Reed, who is retiring after 14 years. White plans to start the new job in late December when the 71-year-old Reed steps down.
“I am humbled to have been chosen to lead the California State University system at such a transformative time,” said White in a statement.
White is expected to receive the same compensation package as Reed: an annual salary of $421,500 plus a $30,000 supplement from CSU foundation sources and a standard benefits package.
The CSU Board of Trustees approved White’s appointment Wednesday and is scheduled to vote on his compensation package at its November meeting, said spokesman Mike Uhlenkamp.
Over the past three years, the Cal State system has sustained unprecedented reductions in state funding, leading to steep tuition hikes and deep cuts to courses, staffing, services and student enrollment. The CSU system could face a $250 million midyear funding cut if California voters reject Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax initiative on the Nov. 6 ballot.
