It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to a true titan of higher education, Charles E. Young, who served as the chancellor of UCLA for an unprecedented 29 years.
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Young died on October 22, 2023, in his Sonoma, California home, at the age of 91.
“During his long tenure, Young guided UCLA toward what it is today: one of the nation’s most comprehensive and respected research universities and one that is profoundly dedicated to inclusiveness and diversity,” said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block.
Young is survived by his wife Judy Young and his son, Charles Jr.
Charles E. Young Career
Young was appointed as chancellor in 1968, Young, at the tender age of 36, and became 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.
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Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times
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.
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