UC Berkeley Press Release

Harry Le Grande named vice chancellor for student affairs

By Marie Felde, Media Relations | 26 June 2008

BERKELEY – University of California, Berkeley, Chancellor Robert Birgeneau today (Thursday, June 26) announced the appointment of Harry Le Grande as vice chancellor for student affairs, capping a career devoted to serving students, including 27 years at this campus.

Harry Le Grande (Steve McConnell/NewsCenter photo)

Le Grande, who has served as interim vice chancellor since January 2007, immediately steps into the permanent role. His appointment followed a nationwide search.

"During the past year and a half, Harry Le Grande has led the office with verve and imagination during a period of application and enrollment growth, and through some very difficult times for our students," Birgeneau said. "I am delighted to announce his permanent appointment."

"As vice chancellor for student affairs, he and his staff touch the lives of Cal undergraduates from the moment they apply to Berkeley through to graduation and into the job market. Our students could not ask for more skilled and experienced leadership," Birgeneau said.

The portfolio of the vice chancellor for student affairs encompasses undergraduate admissions, the registrar's office, financial aid, housing, dining, fundraising for scholarships, child care services, campus life and leadership, the dean of students office and career services. In all, Le Grande will oversee a program with an annual operating budget of $165 million, 1,300 career positions and 1,500 student employees.

"I really love working in student affairs; that's where my passion is," said Le Grande, 54. "My focus is to build upon the solid foundation that exists in student affairs today and really ensure that all of our students have an extraordinary out-of-the-classroom experience. I want students to thrive, not merely survive at UC Berkeley."

Le Grande said that among his major immediate challenges will be implementing a new campus student information system, re-envisioning the student experience by leading the transformation of Lower Sproul Plaza and greatly expanding fundraising for undergraduate financial aid.

Le Grande joined UC Berkeley in 1981 as a senior student affairs officer. He has risen through successively more responsible positions. Prior to serving as interim vice chancellor, he served as associate vice chancellor of student affairs for residential and student service programs.

Le Grande and his wife have two adult children. They live in Fairfield, Calif., where he is actively involved in his community, and has served as planning commissioner in Suisun City (Solano County). He is also active in national professional organizations, including the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, which has recognized him with a meritorious service award.

Le Grande has a B.A. from UC Irvine and a master's degree in education with an emphasis in college student services administration from Oregon State University.

In addition to his annual base salary of $215,000, Le Grande will receive a standard benefits package and is eligible to receive the University of California's Senior Management Supplemental Benefit Program. Additional details about his compensation are available at the UC Regents' salaries and compensation Web site .