Rahim Reed, assistant dean and director of the Center for the Study of Race and Race Relations at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, has been named associate executive vice chancellor for campus community relations at the University of California, Davis.

Reed, 48, will assume his new responsibilities on Sept. 17.

A new post, the associate executive vice chancellor position reports directly to UC Davis' chancellor and provost/executive vice chancellor. Reed will help the campus chart a course that will ensure attention to those components of the campus' social environment that affect community, campus climate, diversity and inclusiveness.

"It is immediately clear that Mr. Reed already possesses a depth of career experience in issues of community," said Chancellor Larry N. Vanderhoef. "In discussions of the responsibilities of the position, one has the distinct feeling that 'he's been there.' More importantly, he demonstrates a quiet wisdom about potentially volatile circumstances. He will be the kind of colleague we will very much value here at UC Davis."

Added Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw: "I'm truly delighted that Rahim Reed is joining us at UC Davis. His experience and expertise will play a major role in enabling us to fulfill our 'Principles of Community,' and the opportunity to work with him on these issues is very exciting."

Reed has more than 20 years of experience in student affairs and affirmative action at four universities. Since 1998, he has been assistant dean and director of the Center for the Study of Race and Race Relations at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. From 1994 to 1996, he chaired the University of Florida's Council on Affirmative Action, and from 1988 to 1998 served as the law college's assistant dean for student and minority affairs.

Previously, he served as assistant dean of the Office of Afro-American Affairs at the University of Virginia from 1986 to 1988; as a law clerk and summer associate for a New Jersey law firm from 1984 to 1986; as a teaching assistant at the Rutgers University School of Law minority student program from 1984 to 1986; as teacher and counselor in the University Community Educational Programs at the University of Pittsburgh from 1980 to 1983; as a juvenile probation officer in Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1979; and as a senior teacher and counselor at Pressley Ridge School in Pittsburgh, Penn., from 1977 to 1978.

"I look forward to both the opportunity and challenge presented by this new position," Reed said. "I am eager to meet with faculty, staff, students, alumni and other members of the UC Davis community to begin the important work that lies ahead of us."

Reed received a law degree from Rutgers University in 1986 and three degrees from the University of Pittsburgh: a master's degree in public administration in 1986, a master's degree in social work in 1983 and a bachelor's degree in psychology and black studies in 1977.

Search committee co-chair Carol F. Wall, vice chancellor for student affairs, said of Reed's selection: "Rahim comes to us with an academic and professional background in relevant areas. An articulate speaker with experience in strategic planning, management and budget, he brings an understanding and philosophy that will guide well the campus's efforts to attend to issues of community."

Karen Roth, coordinator of the campus's Diversity Education Program, welcomed Reed's arrival. "During his campus visit, he shared a number of inspiring ideas for building a more cohesive and respectful campus. He will provide the innovative leadership we need to further our development as a truly diverse community."

Editor's Note: A digitized photo of Rahim Reed is available via e-mail. Contact Amy Rafferty at (530) 752-9836 or aerafferty@ucdavis.edu.