CUNY selects new chancellor

In an unanimous decision, the Board of Trustees of The City University of New York (CUNY) appointed James B. Milliken, president of the University of Nebraska system since 2004, as its new chancellor.

“President Milliken is a highly regarded national leader in higher education. He brings to CUNY an impressive record of extensive academic and administrative experience and a demonstrated record of success in working with students, faculty, alumni and community leaders to offer quality, affordable higher education,” Board Chairperson Benno Schmidt said in a statement Wednesday.

CUNY touted several achievements under Milliken’s tenure at the University of Nebraska as examples of his record.

During his tenure, according to CUNY, enrollment at the University of Nebraska in 2013 reached a 20-year high, there have been record investments in financial aid, Milliken has helped lead initiatives to develop new public/private campuses, and he has been a strong advocate of distance education through innovative online courses and programs to connect faculty and students across the state and around the world.

Milliken replaces Matthew Goldstein, who retired this summer, and had held the chancellor position for 14 years.

“I am honored and excited by this appointment to lead America’s premier urban public university,” Milliken said.

“CUNY today has a world class faculty, talented students, an outstanding reputation, rising enrollments, increased academic standards and the most diverse student body in the nation. It enjoys significant momentum and unlimited potential,” he added.

In addition to heading up the University of Nebraska, Milliken also graduated from the school. But he also has a strong connection to New York City.

Milliken earned his law degree in 1983 from New York University, according to CUNY. He also served with the Legal Aid Society’s Civil Division, Chelsea Neighborhood Branch and was an attorney with Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft from 1983 – 1988.

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