russia Narrative of U.S. having unlawful links to other countries should not be in news without proof
Creative storytelling TedxRutgers hosts its first-ever open mic storytelling event
see OPINIONS, page 6
FOOTBALL Rutgers offense plagued by depth issues in early spring camp
see ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, page 8
WEATHER Cloudy with some showers High: 48 Low: 35
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FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2017
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U. announces new chancellor of Rutgers—New Brunswick Kira Herzog news editor
Last November, University President Robert L. Barchi announced that Chancellor Richard L. Edwards plans to step down after the conclusion of the academic year. At today’s Board of Governors meeting, it was revealed that Debasish Dutta, the former provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Purdue University, will take Edwards’ place. Dutta will begin serving as chancellor on July 1. “Dr. Dutta will be an inspiring, collaborative leader and a powerful voice for Rutgers University—New Brunswick at a pivotal time in its history,” Barchi said. “He comes here with impeccable academic credentials, solid administrative leadership and deep experience at three Big Ten institutions.” Dutta said he plans to approach his new position at Rutgers by using the school’s existing strengths — particularly its diversity — as a foundation for his future initiatives. At both Purdue and the University of Illinois, he focused intently on building diverse and inclusive communities for students. He said the school’s diversity was one of the primary reasons he took the position at Rutgers. “Rutgers is a very very fine institution,” Dutta said. “It’s a well-balanced institution, it has balance
At the Board of Governors meeting on April 6, President Robert L. Barchi announced that Debasish Dutta will assume the position as chancellor of Rutgers—New Brunswick. He will officially take Chancellor Richard L. Edwards’ place on July 1. DIMITRI RODRIGUEZ / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR across the board in different disciplines and that’s something I really admired. So I looked at it and, as good as its history is, I think the future is even brighter.” Dutta was chosen from a field of more than 100 potential candidates in a national search. Barchi said what stood out most about Dutta was his extensive and wide-ranging experience in academia. Out of everyone
interviewed, Dutta was the only candidate who had simultaneously served as the chancellor and diversity officer of a major University. When he assumes the position, the new chancellor intends to integrate himself into the campus culture by living in a house at the end of College Avenue, which previously housed a university president, Barchi said.
“This is partly because of (Dutta’s) desire to bring students and faculty into his home and to be part of the everyday environment of the campus. As opposed to living somewhere else and commuting in, he’s willing to be with his wife right here on campus,” Barchi said. The primary role of the chancellor is to inspire action among students, faculty and staff, Dutta
said. Above all else, he wants to keep the trajectory of the school moving upward. Dutta has a Ph.D. in industrial engineering from Purdue, a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Evansville and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Jadavpur University in India, according to a University press release. He also served as acting director of the Division of Graduate Education at the National Science Foundation for three years. This, combined with Dutta’s depth of experience in higher education, makes him the perfect candidate for the position, Barchi said. “Engineers are problem solvers. That is, you know, the simple bumper sticker if you will. And I view administration as an extension of my research,” Dutta said. “To be an effective administrator you need the same skill set as you need to be a good researcher — you need analytical thinking, you need a gathering of facts, you need an understanding of the facts and context. And you need to be able to put that all together and come out with some conclusions that are based on facts, that can be defended.” From afar, Dutta said he has watched the prominence of Rutgers ascend over the course of See chancellor on Page 4
Board votes to invest $17M in cultural center Alexandra DeMatos, Kira Herzog staff writers
Rutgers pays for co-ownership of new cultural center On Thursday, the Rutgers Board of Governors unanimously voted to invest $17 million in the creation of the new performing arts center in downtown New Brunswick. The partial ownership will allow for the Mason Gross School of the Arts to expand its curriculum by forming a brand new musical theater program. It will also help strengthen the ties between Rutgers and the surrounding community, according to a University press release. “This is a tremendous collaboration between Rutgers University— New Brunswick and our home city,” said Rutgers—New Brunswick Chancellor Richard L. Edwards. “Our talented Mason Gross students will be able to perform in a state-of-the-art venue that will draw
a wider audience from throughout New Jersey.” Construction for the project will begin in August and, once finished, the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center will occupy a total of 450,000 square feet. This includes a rehearsal space, office space, performance space, residential tower and structured parking. Rutgers will share ownership of the facility with the New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO), the George Street Playhouse, the New Brunswick Cultural Center and the American Repertory Ballet. These organizations will have joint responsibility for the scheduling, management and operation of the space, according to the resolution. “This arts campus will serve as a rich haven of creation and culture, allowing for our partner agencies to grow their programs and performances and reach wider audiences than ever before,” said New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill. “Our collaboration with the University
The University’s investment in the new performing arts center will allow for Mason Gross School of the Arts students to use the facilities for practice and performances. The school will be launching its musical theater program once construction is complete. Courtesy oF Elkus Man Fredi Architects community brings an exciting element to this plan and strengthens our melding of public and private collaboration to yield a modern and sensational product.” Of the University’s contribution, $10 million will come from
Mason Gross fundraising and the remaining $7 million will be taken from University reser ves and short-term borrowing, said Antonio Calcado, the executive vice president for Strategic Planning and Operations.
VOLUME 149, ISSUE 39• University ... 3 • opinions ... 6 • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ... 8 • Diversions ... 9 • SPORTS ... BACK
According to the project summary, the redevelopment will cost a total of $215 million and will be one of the most significant urban initiatives in the state of New Jersey. See center on Page 5