The second week of chancellor finalist forums began Monday, Sept. 15, with Ellen A. Wartella, provost of the University of California in Riverside. Wartella is the third of five finalists to speak and answer questions from UT students, faculty and staff.

A late arriver to administrative office, Wartella said she enjoys the creative aspects of her job. It is also where she said she learned that administrators can be intellectual entrepreneurs. 

Wartella said she supports land grand universities, and that it would be an honor and a privilege to be part of a public research university.

"I fear for the country if all we have are private universities," she said.

Student diversity and student success go hand in hand
Ellen A. Wartella, candidate for UT chancellorship

With an educational and occupational background in communications and psychology, some wondered what experience Wartella could bring with her to UT, a school known for its science programs. Wartella said that she is currently provost of a science-oriented university, and she has sat on review panels like the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

"I may not understand a particular theory in physics or chemistry, but I do understand the process of science," she said.

On the subject of state funding, Wartella said she knows it's been going down.

"There has been one trajectory for state support, and it's down," she said.

She emphasized the importance of strategic planning when it comes to spending during tough times, and she suggested universities become more entrepreneurial by seeking outside funds and not relying on the state.

Wartella said she is more than aware of the need for renewable and alternative energy sources. Riverside, Calif. was labeled the smog capital of the world by the city mayor. Wartella said the city has been trying to live that down ever since. The university increased its amount of electric cars and in the future hopes to build more solar-powered buildings in the future.

Wartella also said she supports student diversity on campus.

"Student diversity and student success go hand in hand," she said.