Academic VP Schwartz Resigns

Dr. William Schwartz

Roiling the already muddy waters at the highest level of the University, William Schwartz , the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and the man presiding over the academics of all the undergraduate as well as graduate schools, has tendered his resignation to Dr. Lamm. Lamm has accepted Schwartz’s letter of resignation, and now a process must begin to find a suitable replacement.

A graduate of Harvard Law School and a former Dean of Boston University Law School, Schwartz was a YU University Professor teaching law at Cardozo Law School, when he was nominated by a search committee and chosen by President Lamm to serve as Academic VP. With a distinguished career in private law practice as well as administrative academic experience, Schwartz was deemed fully qualified to lead YU onto higher levels of academic excellence. His multitude of contacts in the worlds of business and academia were augmented by his sitting on the corporate boards of various companies, including Sumner Redstone’s Viacom.

Schwartz listed what he felt were his outstanding achievements during his tenure in office in his letter to Lamm, and said that he looks back upon his service "with satisfaction and pride." "When I began my term of service," wrote Schwartz to Lamm, "you charged me with the primary responsibility of augmenting undergraduate enrollment. I am pleased to report that undergraduate enrollment is now at an all time high and that it has increased by more than 30% during the past five years." YU’s leapfrogging through the annual college rankings was touted by Schwartz as another accomplishment of note. "When I assumed the position of Chief Academic Officer, the University was ranked in the third tier of the US News and World Report ratings. I am pleased that the University has been ranked in the first or top tier in each of the past two years."

Faculty relations and morale were also stressed by Schwartz, who noted that faculty morale was at a low level five years ago, but "significant and prudent salary increases " coupled with a more attentive attitude and an "open door policy " have "contributed to an appreciable improvement in morale." He lauded new policies that encourage faculty to write and publish scholarly work, as well as paying for all travel expenses incurred by any faculty member invited to a present a paper at a symposium. New programs such as the CEO Series given on Fridays to SSSB seniors and the Authors-in-Residence Program, were cited by Schwartz as examples of academic innovations that were instituted by his office and that have contributed to the general academic uplift of the school.

Many in the University applauded the changes made during Schwartz’s tenure, and expressed regret at his taking leave of his office. Norman Adler, Dean of Yeshiva College, said that he was saddened by Schwartz’s decision to resign, and said "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Dr. Schwartz, whose vision, good humor, and gentle manner have energized all of us who worked with and for him. I think his legacy is clear; he has capped a long and distinguished career with a lasting contribution to America’s premier Jewish university."

Schwartz informed Lamm of his decision to resign, and his "need to climb new mountains which present new challenges." He plans on returning to practicing law, and will be teaching in Cardozo come September. Recently appointed chairman of a Boston area bank as well as chairman of Viacom’s executive compensation committee, Schwartz wrote that he wishes to "engage in other stimulating and challenging private and public ventures and endeavors which continue to seek to gain the benefits of my experience and expertise."

What does the future hold?

In theory, the vice-president for Academic Affairs is one of the most important and powerful figures in YU. Almost every aspect of education is deemed to fall under the rubric of Academic Affairs. Curriculum for the entire University including new programs or degree tracks, and any modification involving academics or courses, are the central concerns of Academic Affairs. The hiring and firing of deans, department heads, and even graduate school deans, as well as the granting of tenure to or disciplining of faculty and administrators all are done by the Academic VP.

Such a position is extremely sensitive, and is not an easy one to fill. Schwartz has agreed to stay on in his current position until a replacement is found, or until August 1, whichever may come first. Being that a search committee must be formed, a professional headhunting firm retained, the board and various segments of the University must be consulted, and candidates courted and interviewed, the process promises to be a long and arduous one. The odds that the position will be filled by August 1 are slim to none, leaving the University with the inescapable reality of appointing an acting VP while the search continues.

While searching for appropriate candidates from within elite universities in America or Israel, potential candidates from within the university will not be overlooked. SSSB Dean Harold Nierenberg has already served as acting VP once before, after the former VP Egon Brenner left the office, and before Schwartz was hired. The other undergraduate school deans, Norman Adler of YC, and Karen Bacon of SCW, would seem to be potential candidates for the position as well.