University President Mark Yudof announced Monday the new chancellor of the University’s Morris campus, Samuel Schuman.
Schuman will take over the campus’ top administrative position permanently after holding it on an interim basis for two years.
“Sam has performed brilliantly as interim chancellor, and I am thrilled that he has accepted the chancellorship on a permanent basis,” Yudof said. “He combines the leadership, vision and devotion to liberal arts that will serve the campus well in the years ahead.”
Schuman has served as Morris’ interim chancellor since 1998 when David Johnson retired after eight years at the position. Prior to his appointment, Schuman was vice chancellor for academic affairs and an English professor at Morris.
“When (the position) first came open, I did not want it,” Schuman said. “But after a year or so of doing the job … I decided it was something I enjoyed.”
The Morris chancellor is responsible for fund raising, legislative lobbying and other administrative duties.
Schuman juggled academic and administrative affairs during the interim process. He was responsible for all faculty and academic staff personnel, oversaw curriculum and campus units, and managed academic and fiscal areas, as well.
The Morris job is not Schuman’s first experience at the position. He has also served as chancellor at the University of North Carolina-Asheville and as vice president for academic affairs at Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C.
A 15-member committee of Morris students, faculty and staff members used a list of criteria Yudof recommended to narrow the nationwide applicant pool to five.
While the 10-month search reduced the number of candidates, Yudof made the ultimate decision as to whom would be offered the job.

Craig Gustafson welcomes comments at [email protected]. He can also be reached at (612) 627-4070 x3222.