Dean candidate of unusual qualifications emerges

The UCLA Anderson School of Management’s search for a new dean is one step closer to being complete with the announcement of Geoffrey Garrett, vice provost of the UCLA International Institute, as an official candidate for the position.

Garrett’s candidacy for the deanship may come as a surprise for some, as the vice provost served as the head of the search committee appointed to find the future dean.

“It is unusual, but not unprecedented,” said Lawrence Lokman, a spokesman for the chancellor, about Garrett’s transition from head of the search committee for the candidate to the actual candidate.

Vice Chancellor of Research Roberto Peccei, served as head of the search committee for his current position until he was nominated, and eventually appointed, for the vice chancellor position himself.

The search for the next dean of the Anderson School became necessary after Bruce Willison, who had served as the dean for the last five years, opted out of another term last year in order to pursue other interests.

The search for the dean began in early spring 2004 and the search committee – along with a private firm – scoured the country for candidates.

The chancellor-appointed members of the search committee had the responsibility of seeking out the best possible candidate for the job, then reporting their recommendation back to the chancellor.

While most of the time that candidate is a person unaffiliated with the committee, sometimes the group will nominate one of its own members if it deems that person to be well suited for the position.

Lokman said Garrett emerged as a candidate during the search process because members of the committee were so impressed with his leadership skills that they decided to nominate him as the future dean.

“I’m pleased and honored to have played a role in this process thus far, and to be put forward as a candidate to lead this remarkable school,” Garrett said.

There are no limitations on the number of canidadates who may be nominated, but officials are keeping information regarding the number of potential candidates, if any, confidential.

“Garrett is the only candidate being put forward at this time,” Lokman said.

Now that the committee has made its recommendation, it is up to Carnesale to make the final decision.

“It’s pretty much out of the (Anderson) School’s hands now,” said Anderson School spokesman Philip Little. “The committee members did what they were supposed to do and now the decision is in the hands of the chancellor.”

Lokman said while Chancellor Carnesale is “very pleased” to put Garrett forward as a candidate, he would like to hear the opinions of members of the Anderson School before making a final decision.

Bruce Willison, the current Anderson dean, is scheduled to end his term at the school this year, and it may leave the Anderson School without dean.

Since officials are focusing their attention on finding the best possible candidate, Lokman said, they are also refraining from releasing any information on when the next dean will assume his position.

“I look forward to meeting with representatives of the Anderson School family, to share my views and listen further to their needs and concerns,” Garrett said.