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Paul Licht, Outgoing Chair of the
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Paul Licht thanks alumni and friends
for their support of
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A series of nomination letters summarized his achievements:
Paul Licht arrived at Berkeley as an Assistant Professor of Zoology in 1964. An outstanding scientist, he rose quickly through the ranks. As one nominator writes, "his research into the factors that determine sexual differentiation, sexual maturation and reproductive physiology in a wide variety of species—including amphibians, reptiles and mammals—has resulted in more than 300 publications and has made him one of most respected comparative endocrinologists in the world."
Licht has been a particularly effective mentor to students. Many years ago, an undergraduate interested in comparative endocrinology wrote him and asked for reprints of research papers. The student was stunned to receive a handwritten reply from someone so well known in the field. And later, when the student was applying to graduate school, Licht set aside most of two days to show him around Berkeley. The student, whose "vision of a world-renowned scientist was redrawn," in those two days, was Tyrone Hayes. Now on the faculty in Integrative Biology, Hayes is establishing his own world-wide reputation as an expert of amphibian development. Hayes also carries the tradition of excellence in mentoring: he recently won both distinguished teaching and undergraduate research mentorship awards.
Paul Licht's administrative service began in 1976 when he served as chair of his department. His strong leadership skills have served him as well then as they do now. According to a colleague, "his sharp intellect and even sharper wit have been a hallmark of his academic career as much as has been his uncompromising insistence for excellence. Whether mentoring his students, critiquing a fellow scientist's work, or shepherding the faculty under his charge, Paul's standards of performance have always brought out the best in his associates. Leading as much by example as by expectation, he pushes and pulls, guides and leads us to achieve the best at which we are capable."
During his eight-year term as Dean of Biological Sciences, Licht spearheaded many major changes. Under his leadership in 1997, the merger between Human Biodynamics and Integrative Biology took place, and the Physical Education Program was created as a separate entity. During this time, the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology was restructured into a single administrative unit, enabling both administrative collaboration and intellectual synergy at the highest levels. The high standing of the Biological Sciences owes a great deal to the years of Dean Licht's enlightened leadership of the division.
As Dean of the Biological Sciences and as Chair of the
Paul Licht has an ability to discern the key issues,
pull together the numerous threads required to address
challenges and move forward in strategic directions.
His work as the Chair of the Deans for the College demonstrated
these skills. A recent example is his effective representation
of
Above all, Dean Licht has been a convincing and committed spokesperson
and advocate for Berkeley, for the liberal arts, and for the College
of Letters & Science as a whole. Teacher and scholar of biology,
Dean of Biological Sciences, and Chair of the
Related Resource: Paul Licht's homepage
Photo: Peg Skorpinski
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Email web@ls.berkeley.edu about this site. Copyright 2004 The Regents of the University of California College of Letters & Science, University of California, 201 Campbell Hall, Berkeley, CA |