Charles B. Reed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles B. Reed
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| Chancellor of the California State University System | |
| In office 1998–2012 |
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| Preceded by | Barry Munitz |
| Succeeded by | Timothy P. White |
| Chancellor of the State University System of Florida | |
| In office 1985–1998 |
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| Preceded by | Barbara W. Newell |
| Succeeded by | Adam W. Herbert |
| Chief of Staff to the Governor of Florida | |
| In office 1984–1985 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Charles Bass Reed
September 29, 1941 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | December 6, 2016 (aged 75) Long Beach, Florida, U.S. |
| Spouse | Catherine Sayers Reed |
| Alma mater | George Washington University |
| Profession | Academic Administrator |
| Website | Chancellor Charles B. Reed |
Charles Bass Reed (September 29, 1941 – December 6, 2016) was an important leader in American education. He served as the top boss, called a chancellor, for two large university systems. From 1985 to 1998, he led the State University System of Florida. Then, from 1998 to 2012, he was the chancellor of the California State University (CSU) system.
Charles B. Reed: A Leader in Education
His Early Life and Education
Charles B. Reed was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania as the oldest of seven children. His father was a civil engineer.
Charles played football in high school. He earned a full scholarship to George Washington University. There, he earned three degrees:
- A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in physical education (1963)
- A Master of Arts (M.A.) in secondary education (1964)
- A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in teacher education (1970)
Starting His Career
From 1984 to 1985, Charles Reed worked as the chief of staff for Florida's Governor, Bob Graham. This meant he was a top advisor and manager for the governor.
After that, from 1985 to 1998, he became the chancellor of the State University System of Florida. He was in charge of all the public universities in Florida.
Leading California State University
What He Did as Chancellor
From 1998 to 2012, Charles Reed was the chancellor of the California State University (CSU) system. This is a huge job! He was in charge of 23 campuses across California. He oversaw 44,000 teachers and staff. About 427,000 students attended CSU schools under his leadership.
The CSU system had a budget of over $5 billion at its highest point. A group called the Board of Trustees makes the rules for the CSU.
Awards for His Work
In 2012, Reed received the TIAA-CREF Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence. This award recognized his strong commitment to students. He helped the CSU system through tough state budget cuts. At the same time, he managed to increase student enrollment.
The judges also praised his efforts to create partnerships. He started programs that helped students from less privileged backgrounds. These programs received national attention. Reed used his $20,000 prize money to help a scholarship fund. He and his wife donated almost $90,000 to this fund since 1998.
In 2008, Reed also won the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. This was for helping more U.S. students get into and succeed in college. He worked hard to reach out to African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian students. For example, from 2006 to 2007, African American student enrollment at CSU increased by 6.5%. Hispanic enrollment went up by 9.5%, and Native American enrollment by 8.2%.
Helping Students Get Ready for College
Reed was known for connecting with K-12 schools and future college students. He helped create the Early Assessment Program. This program works with the California Department of Education. It helps 11th-grade students find out if they are ready for college.
The program tests students in math and English. It helps reduce the number of students who need extra classes in college. Students take a voluntary college-placement exam as part of their regular state tests. Testing in 11th grade gives students time to improve before their senior year. This program was called "one of the best national models" for helping students.
Reaching Out to Communities
During his time, the CSU also started the Super Sunday outreach program. This program shares college information with students and their families. It focuses on predominantly African-American churches across California.
In February 2012, over 100 Super Sunday events were held. More than 100,000 churchgoers learned about college. This effort seems to have worked. In late 2011, CSU received nearly 1,000 more applications from African American students than the year before.
New Degrees and Technology
In 2005, Reed helped the CSU gain an important new ability. The CSU was allowed to offer its own Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree. This degree is for leaders in education. Thirteen CSU campuses now offer this degree. These programs help meet local needs and work with schools and community colleges. Currently, 702 educational leaders are studying in these programs.
His administration also developed a new technology system. It was called the Common Management System (CMS). This system helped all campuses and the Chancellor's Office work together. Before CMS, each campus had its own old systems. These systems were different, outdated, and not connected. The CMS project aimed to create one modern system for everyone.
A state audit looked at the CMS project. It found that a full cost-benefit study wasn't done beforehand. However, the CSU used the audit's suggestions to make the system better.
Challenges and Questions
During his time as chancellor, some people questioned certain decisions. For example, the San Francisco Chronicle in 2009 asked about hiring outside experts to track new laws. University officials said this was needed because the system was so large and complex.
Others also raised concerns about the number of full-time teachers. By Reed's last year, the number of permanent faculty was at its lowest in over ten years. They made up only 42% of all teachers in the system.
Other Important Roles
Charles Reed was involved with many other groups. He served on the boards of organizations like Urban Serving Universities and The College Board. He also worked as a consultant and speaker on education topics around the world.
His Retirement and Passing
On May 24, 2012, Charles Reed announced he would retire. He left his role as CSU chancellor at the end of December 2012. Timothy P. White took over as the new chancellor.
Charles B. Reed passed away on December 6, 2016. He was 75 years old and died at his home in Tallahassee, Florida.
