About Dr. Chang-Lin Tien

About Dr. Chang-Lin Tien

Chang-Lin Tien was the first Asian American to head a major U.S. research university when he became chancellor of UC Berkeley in 1990. During his seven-year tenure, he strengthened undergraduate education, fostered diversity on the Berkeley campus and raised nearly $1 billion for the university.

Acclaimed as a teacher, scientist, administrator and a powerhouse fundraiser, Dr. Tien was admired by many students and faculty members. Dr. Tien was a familiar figure on campus, where he took daily walks, stopping to greet and chat with students and even bringing cookies to students studying late at the library.

Under Dr. Tien's leadership, the campus built several new facilities, including the Haas School of Business. A week before telling UC regents of his plans to resign, Dr. Tien announced a $15 million gift from Taiwanese donors toward construction of a new East Asian Library.

When awarded UC Berkeley's Distinguished Teaching Award in 1962, Dr. Tien was the youngest professor ever to receive such an honor at the age of 26. He was one of only 20 faculty members in the UC system to hold the title of "University Professor," a title reserved for scholars of international distinction.

Tien was respected and admired by people from all different walks of life.  here are reflections on Dr. Tien's principles, leadership, and his remarkable impact on people's lives. 

The Chancellor & The Leader 

The Person

The Asian American

Acknowledgements

We thank the many admirers of Dr. Tien who have contributed to this archive, including:

Richard Atkinson, President of the University of California, 1995-2003
John F. Cummins, Associate Chancellor-Chief of Staff, UC Berkeley
Horace Mitchell, President of California State Unviversity, Bakersfield
C.D. "Dan" Mote Jr., President of the University of Maryland, College Park
Jack Peltason, President of the University of California, 1992-1995
Orville Schell, Dean of the Graduate School of Journalism, UC Berkeley
Leslie Tang Schilling, Regent of the University of California
Henry T. Yang, Chancellor of UC Santa Barbara
Charles Young, Chancellor of UCLA, 1968-1997

Dr. Tien was respected and admired by people from all different walks of life. If Dr. Tien and his leadership had an impact on you, we encourage you to share your recollections by e-mailing awards@asianpacificfund.org or sending your story to our office. Please be sure to include your name and tell us how you knew Dr. Tien, and we will add your reflections to our archive.

Photo of Chang-Lin Tien by John Blaustein, courtesy UC Berkeley