FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 4, 1996
Rick Malaspina (510) 987-9179
rick.malaspina@ucop.edu

NEW VICE PRESIDENT NAMED FOR UNIVERSITY AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Bruce B. Darling, vice chancellor for development and university relations at the University of California's San Diego campus, today (Friday, Oct. 4) was appointed vice president for university and external relations for the UC system.

Acting on the recommendation of UC President Richard C. Atkinson, the Board of Regents named Darling to the position at a special meeting conducted by teleconference.

Darling, 44, was selected after a nationwide search. He will succeed William B. Baker, who announced last April his intention to retire from the vice president's post after a UC career of more than 33 years.

"This is a vital position for the university," Atkinson said. "It enables us to maintain effective relations with the public, the state and federal government and other important constituencies. Bruce Darling's demonstrated skill and success in this field will be of great value to the university."

As vice president for university and external relations, Darling will be responsible for acquisition of UC's operating and capital budgets. He also will supervise the university's governmental relations programs in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C., communications with the news media and the public, and development of policies related to alumni and fund-raising activities.

Darling said he was honored by the appointment, adding: "It will be a privilege to work with the leadership of this great university in serving California and the nation. At UCSD I have experienced the exhilaration of being part of a campus that sets and achieves remarkable goals, and I am enthusiastic about helping UC shape its future."

At UCSD, Darling created the campus' first unified external relations effort. He established four new units within the Development and University Relations division, and gave added scope and definition to the division's existing units. He was also active in systemwide activities, such as serving as the chair of the UC University Relations Vice Chancellors' Council and organizing the first Conference for UC Foundation Trustees, which resulted in the development of universitywide advocacy and investment strategies.

Darling came to UCSD in 1980 as special assistant to the chancellor after having served in a variety of administrative positions at the National Science Foundation. He was assistant vice chancellor and associate vice chancellor for university relations before being named vice chancellor for development and university relations at UCSD in 1993.

Darling graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in political science from UCLA in 1974. He is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and has extensive experience in Latin America. Darling has several scholastic and professional honors and is active in numerous professional and civic activities.

The appointment is effective Nov. 1 at an annual salary of $190,000.

###