Charles E. Young: UCLA’s longest-serving chancellor dies at 91

Charles E. Young, who served as former chancellor of UCLA for 29 years, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, in his Sonoma, California home.

He was 91 years old.

Appointed as chancellor in 1968, Young, at the tender age of 36, assumed the mantle, securing his place as the youngest chancellor ever appointed in the University of California system.

Notably, he holds the distinction of being the sole UCLA alumnus to ascend to the campus’s highest echelon.

As the seventh chief executive to steer UCLA’s ship, Young faced and adeptly navigated the turbulent waters of the 1970s and the fiscal constraints of the 1990s.

Through his remarkable stewardship, he left an indelible mark on the university, elevating it from a regional institution to a world-class research powerhouse.

Among his vast accomplishments, Young was an ardent advocate for K–12 educational reform in Los Angeles.

He also played a pivotal role in the NCAA Presidents Commission, spearheading efforts to overhaul intercollegiate athletics.

Furthermore, his resolute support for international studies at UCLA and other academic institutions underscored his dedication to shaping a brighter future through education.

The legacy of Charles E. Young continues to reverberate throughout the hallowed halls of UCLA, and his contributions to academia will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.