Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano receives a standing ovation from the University of California Board of Regents after being elected as the next president at a meeting Thursday, July 18, 2013 in San Francisco. The University of California's governing board voted her to become the system's first female president, but her selection is being criticized by students upset about federal immigration policy and professors concerned about her lack of experience in academia. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Letter of the Day: UC's new president

UC's new president

EDITOR: Your editorial on Janet Napolitano's nomination for president of the University of California ("A hasty path to vote on UC president, Thursday) expressed concern that "past presidents have been renowned scholars with deep connections to the academic community, not career politicians."

It might be of some interest to readers to know that while President Dwight D. Eisenhower was neither a renowned scholar nor a career politician, he served effectively as president of Columbia University from 1948-53. In fact, this position may well have been a stepping stone to the White House for him. Napolitano would probably bring some of the same type of leadership, organizational and administrative skills from government that Eisenhower brought from the military.

The UC presidency might well be a stepping stone for Napolitano. Fortunately, she didn't develop her skill sets as a body builder and movie actor.

ROGER PEARSON

Santa Rosa

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