Chancellor Sung-Mo "Steve" Kang

On September 2, 2010, Chancellor Sung Mo “Steve” Kang announced his decision to step down as chancellor on June 30, 2011 to return to teaching and research as a member of the University of California faculty. The UC Office of the President will begin a nationwide search for his successor this fall. For more information click here.

Steve Kang was appointed chancellor of the University of California, Merced, on January 17, 2007 in a regular meeting of the UC Regents. He began his duties in Merced on March 1.

He presents an inspiring picture of UC’s newest campus as we look down the road — a future where the campus’ growing prestige and innovation attract more and more bright students from diverse backgrounds to prepare for the careers of the 21st century.

Memorable Words

Growth

“I want to make sure we are building infrastructure to last for UC Merced to be a leading research university of the 21st century. This requires that we continually recruit top talent for teaching, research and public service, build new buildings and research institutes, and flawlessly execute the steps we need to take toward accreditation and establishing medical education.”

“In five years, I would like to achieve the stature of a world-class, comprehensive university with excellence in targeted areas, and to take the necessary steps toward beginning medical education. I also want to establish strong education partnership programs with other institutions in the Valley and excellent collaborations with surrounding communities.”

Academics

“We will provide well balanced education that gives our students the richest possible set of academic choices. We also must equip our students with strong interdisciplinary training and prepare them for global careers so that they can navigate across cultural boundaries as their future jobs may demand.”

Leadership

“For dedicated people with innovation in mind, there’s no need to micromanage. The sharing and joint ownership of vision and goals is very important. All constituents should be informed with timely, clear communication on important matters. As the saying goes, knowledge is power.”

Economic Development

“UC Merced is provided with a truly unique opportunity for building a world-class research university in the underserved San Joaquin Valley. We will strive to be the 21st century model campus of the UC system in education and research to benefit the community economically, environmentally and culturally.”

“I wish to see the San Joaquin Valley become a hub of environment-friendly major industry such as biotechnology and information technology. Perhaps the Valley can be the Bio Valley as a complement to Silicon Valley and Wireless Valley.”

Ethics

“Building education on strong ethical ground is most important, like establishing a new building on rock, rather than on sands.”

Chancellor Kang invites you to look over these pages to get to know his background, his skills, and his vision for UC Merced.