Reed Retires

Chancellor Charles Reed retired on Feb. 24 from the California State University system after serving 14 years on the CSU Board of Trustees. 

According to a press release, Chancellor Reed will be remembered internationally as an "innovator," "strategic thinker" and "problem solver" while bringing in students from all socio-economic status'. 

"Our campuses have continued to flourish even in the face of budgetary challenges and tremendous growth.  Throughout my time here, the CSU has grown by more than 100,000 students, and I have been honored to sign more than a million diplomas," Reed said.  

"I take great pride in the CSU's mission to serve California's students, and I am proud to have played a role in carrying out that mission during these critical years."

He will continue to stay in his position until a replacement is appointed by the CSU Board of Trustees.

Reed was appointed by Governor Gray Davis in 1998, to serve as the top CSU administrator and as of 2011 earned $451,500. As chancellor he developed policy recommendations which he brought to the CSU Board of Trustees and when approved, were implemented. He also had the ability to give raises to lower level administrators. 

Bob Linscheid, CSU Board Chair, said, "Charlie has persevered through the worst budget crisis in the history of California, and has had to deal with deep budget cuts to the CSU.  He has a deep desire to do what is best for students.  Charlie's management of the institution is something to behold, and on behalf of the board, I would like to thank him for his unending energy and dedication to the CSU."

Reed was chancellor at Florida State University from 1985 to 1998. He studied at the George Washington University and earned a bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education, a master's degree in Secondary Education and an Ed.D in Teacher Education.

Mark Yudof, University of California president, said, "The Chancellor has been an effective and reliable ally in the fight to keep alive for future generations of Californians the promise of an affordable, top quality education."

Reed will move back to Florida with his wife and plans to pursue higher education related projects. As of late, he has not been given a specific reason why he is retiring.

According to a factsheet from the Students for Quality Education, only 35 percent of the university's operating expenses went towards instruction during 2009-2010. 


To attend a CSU campus for one semester cost $1,428 in 2002 and as of the fall of 2011 the cost of a semester was $5,472, accounting for a 283 percent increase since 2002. 

Yeimi Lopez, a Sac State student and SQE member said, "To the students, Reed retiring means a victory and it means we should now have a say. We hope the board and the next chancellor will take student recommendations seriously."

CSU Press Release on Reed Retiring