From Public Affairs | 19 April 2006 (UC Berkeley Website)

BERKELEY – After nearly 10 years as dean of UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism, Orville Schell informed the school's faculty and students on Wednesday that he will not seek reappointment to the position. He will, however, remain at the helm to continue running the school until a new dean can be appointed.

Schell is a specialist on China as well as the media. Through his many global connections, he has brought a series of influential journalists, national and world leaders — from Dan Rather, the Dalai Lama and President Bill Clinton to Tom Brokaw, Christiane Amanpour and Vice President Al Gore — to the campus for onstage conversations and events.

He has also been active in sending journalism students and their faculty mentors into the world's hot spots to practice their craft on the ground.

While Schell expressed an eagerness to have more time to write, he also has been asked by Chancellor Robert Birgeneau to stay on at UC Berkeley as a special advisor on global issues and initiatives.

Chen's Comment: This may mean the end of Chinese students' good luck in Berkeley. But still, Chinese students are always outstanding. China is also booming now, so there might be interest as well. I wish all the Chinese applicants the best luck!