Jerry Hallee is retiring at the end of June. And this time he means it.
Back in 1993, the assistant executive vice chancellor took early retirement as the University of California system faced budget cuts.
But Hallee – who tackles operational projects in the chancellor’s office – still had the work itch in him. He received a retirement package containing the provision that he could come back and work for then acting Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef.
Hallee came back.
"It was a part-time position, but I think people would tell you I was here most of the time," he said, showing a sheepish smile. Finally, in 1998, Hallee came on board full time again.
Hallee came to UC Davis and the chancellor’s office in 1974 after 14 years at North American Rockwell Corp., the Southern California company that built spacecraft for the Apollo Program. He started as a management analyst and worked up to his current position, where he has had a hand in everything from building renovations to the creation of the Information and Educational Technology division and looking at staff workload issues.
Now 60, Hallee said he is ready to enjoy his family, golf and volunteering in the community. He and his wife, Corliss, live in Davis, close to their daughter and two granddaughters. One of their sons lives in Sacramento, and the other in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Hallee came to Davis because of a desire to leave Southern California. He said never dreamed he’d make a career in Davis – a place he had to look up on the map to find.
"It wasn’t in my plans to come to the university," Hallee said, "but what a wonderful turn of events."
What’s been your favorite place on campus?
My immediate reaction is to say the arboretum, but as I think about it I have to say the main Quad. When I first came to campus I was fascinated by the activity on it and the setting, particularly North and South halls. It’s an open space that really gives you the feeling you are on a college campus. It was a stark contrast to my previous job site – large, impersonal aerospace buildings.
What’s been the biggest change in university culture over the years?
The community has always been known for being so collegial. I hate to say it, but I think we’ve lost some of that. Within the first few years of working here, I felt like I knew so many people across campus. The present campus size makes it harder to maintain the friendly, collegial atmosphere we want.
We are also working harder as a campus community. There is no question in my mind about that. When I first got here, the campus was so quiet in the summer. In recent years, the students leave, but the work remains incredibly intensive.
Do you have a personal philosophy?
Integrity is really important to me. You want to be able to trust people and know what they say is what they’ll do.
I also believe that if you work hard, you will make some mistakes. We shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes. I believe in the adage that people who don’t mistakes likely are not doing much.
What’s something about you people would be surprised to know?
I didn’t get my college degree until after I was out of the Army. I was working for North American Rockwell without a college degree and doing well.
After the Army, I became much more aware of my family responsibilities. If I was going to move up, education was essential. I started my undergraduate degree (from California State University, Long Beach) when I was 25 and didn’t finish until I was 31. I got my MBA (from CSU Sacramento) two years later.
What are your goals for the next 10 years?
Right now at the top of my list is enjoying retirement and making myself more accessible to my family.
Who would play you in a made-for-TV movie about your life?
If I’m casting, I’m going to pick some of my favorite current actors – Harrison Ford, Tom Selleck, and Sean Connery come to mind. If it was to portray me in my younger years, my daughter really likes Brad Pitt. •