California State University trustees have appointed a highly accomplished leader at a time that the system is dealing with major budget challenges. Timothy P. White will be the chancellor of the CSU system, the nation's largest four-year university system.

White is chancellor at UC Riverside, among the most diverse campuses in the state. He raised $100 million for a new medical school at Riverside, a skill he will need as he takes charge of the 23-campus CSU system. White is a serious academic, but showed an every-man side by appearing in disguise last year on "Undercover Boss."

Budget cuts have forced the CSU system to raise tuition, limit enrollment and reduce class offerings. Parents and students rightly are concerned about access to CSU campuses, as well as getting the classes they need to graduate in four years. Trustees have already instituted a 5% tuition increase for next year if Proposition 30 on the Nov. 6 ballot fails.

The medical school at UC Riverside showed White's visionary thinking and ability to get things done. The San Joaquin Valley was fighting for a medical school at the same time as Riverside, yet our region is still trying to get that task accomplished.

White earned a bachelor's degree from Fresno State, a master's degree from Cal State Hayward and a doctorate from UC Berkeley. He played water polo and was on the swim team at Fresno State. In 1994, he received the Outstanding Alumni Award from Fresno State's School of Health and Human Services and three years later was named a distinguished alumnus.

White was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and his parents immigrated to Canada and then to California when he was young. White was the first member of his family to go to college. With that background, White understands the plight of many of the students at the 23 CSU campuses. Education gave him opportunities, just as it has given opportunities to others in our state.

Investing in education is an investment in our state. CSU and UC graduates generally stay in California and contribute to the economy and our quality of life.

We believe that White brings the necessary background and skill to meet the challenges of a university system that must reshape itself to compete in the current economic environment.

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EDITORIAL: CSU's new leader brings a diverse background to job