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Feature Story
Dean's Column
Taking on the role of dean is one of the most exciting
challenges in my career, given that my undergraduate
business degree is from Cal. Yes, some years have passed.
But we never forget the places and people who set our
minds alight, and our lives on a brighter course. Cal
is unrivaled on that front in my life. I suspect that
most of you feel the same way.
This acting dean period cannot be a caretaker period.
I promise it will not be. As a school, we’re at
a turning-point in terms of the strategic options available.
We have much more room now to determine what programs
we offer, at what prices, with what financial aid, and
to whom. We have more room to attract and compensate
faculty based on market forces. And we have much more
room to attract and maintain the best staff in our peer
group. In short, we are unleashed. The question of our
being included among the handful of the very best is
not whether, but when. Berkeley is too strong a university,
with too many assets, to settle for anything less.
Soon I will be presenting specific plans and objectives
to the Haas Community. They will include new directions,
as well as new approaches to many ongoing efforts, such
as enlarging the faculty, expanding our thought leadership
in critical areas, continually upgrading our already
strong career services, building endowment, and completing
planning on a new, second building.
As a relatively small school, Haas has always been
about community, and the kind of esprit de corps that
a school like ours fosters. You are an essential part
of that community. I look forward to meeting you in
person, as I visit alumni chapters and events over the
coming year. I hope you will take the time to attend
one or more of these events. If they don’t stir
your enthusiasm, then we’ve got more work to do.
Most importantly, I look forward to receiving your
input. The Haas School at Berkeley is a radically innovative
place. Your ideas are what make it that way.
Thanks for your support. Your investments in Haas
have paid off richly in the past and I will do my part
to see that they continue to do so going forward.
Rich Lyons
Dean (Acting)
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