Ronald M. Berkman named president of Cleveland State University

After an intensely guarded selection process, The Board of Trustees announced their pick for the sixth president of Cleveland State University last Monday. Dr. Ronald M. Berkman will take over the presidency after Dr. Michael Schwartz steps down on June 30.

Dr. Berkman comes to CSU from Florida International University in Miami, where he has served as provost since 1997. He has also served as the dean of urban affairs at the City University of New York (CUNY).

"I have spent my entire professional life preparing for this opportunity," Dr. Berkman said at a press conference at CSU on April 30. It was his first public appearance on campus grounds. He later greeted students and faculty members at a reception at the Wolstein Center.

Ronald Weinberg, chairman of the CSU Board of Trustees, said Dr. Berkman is "the best choice" for the position because of his lengthy experience in public policy and urban affairs. Both FIU and CUNY are urban universities with strong ties to the local economy - much like Cleveland State.

Dr. Berkman said his goals for CSU include strengthening healthcare education and improving the reputation of the university. He said that Cleveland State has "a wonderful feel to it," and that its urban location is key for stimulating the local economy.

"I love the energy [CSU] radiates as part of the city," said Dr. Berkman. "I would love to see the university be an accelerant."

Though Dr. Berkman was greeted with a standing ovation at his opening reception last Thursday at the Wolstein Center, his first interactions with the CSU community were not without their gaffes.

"California State University is a very special university!" he announced to the 200-plus attendees at the reception. Realizing his mistake, Dr. Berkman laughed and recovered with "California State University may be a special university, but not as special as Cleveland State University!"

Dr. Berkman will begin his duties as CSU president in July.