I commend the Association of American Universities on its selection of former University of California, Berkeley, Chancellor Bob Berdahl as President. Bob is an excellent choice, as he has both the knowledge and the experience to lead this great association of premier research institutions. The higher education community is fortunate to have a person of Bob’s caliber and experience willing to serve as a key leader and spokesman for our community in Washington. He brings to AAU a deeply passionate commitment to students and higher education.

Bob has been a friend and colleague of mine for many years, and I am confident that he will serve with excellence, as when he led both the University of Texas at Austin and UC Berkeley. These are particularly important and challenging times for institutions of higher education as we advance our missions of education, research and public service for our country and the broader global community. Research universities are critical to ensuring that our nation remains on the front line of scientific and technological innovation, resulting in our continued economic prosperity.

AAU plays critical role in advocating for research institutions on both the national and international levels. Bob is an outstanding choice to lead this organization and to deliver the message of higher education’s crucial role in creating a bright future for our nation.

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