Chang-Lin Tien Leadership in Education Award

Dr. Chang-Lin Tien made history as the first AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) head of a major US research university when he became Chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley in 1990. Dr. Tien was also a founding board director of the Asian Pacific Fund. In 2006, his family partnered with the Fund to establish a program in honor of Dr. Tien’s inspiring legacy.

The annual Chang-Lin Tien Leadership in Education Award was created to address the underrepresentation of AANHPI academic leadership in higher education. As the only program of its kind in the nation, the award honors an AANHPI individual who has achieved significant academic accomplishments and demonstrates the potential to advance to the highest leadership levels in higher education. Recipients are awarded a $10,000 grant to establish a Chang-Lin Tien Scholarship Fund for AANHPI students at their university.

2024 Chang-Lin Tien Leadership in Education Award Nominations

We are accepting nominations for the 2024 Chang-Lin Tien Award beginning January 12, 2024. To nominate a candidate, please submit the following via Dropbox file request here:

  1. Nomination Form
  2. One-page statement of support or a description of the candidate’s contributions, achievements, and administrative experience

Nominations are due March 8, 2024.

Important Dates:

  • March 15, 2024: Deadline for nominations
  • April 8, 2024: Deadline for nominees to submit required documents
  • May 31, 2024: Award recipient will be selected

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for candidates?

  • Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander working in a U.S. higher education institution 
  • Currently associated with a four-year public or private college or university  
  • Appointed at the level of dean or a position of comparable—or higher—responsibility. Preference is given to candidates who do not currently hold a chief executive position (i.e., chancellor, president, provost, or comparable level). 
  • Demonstrates potential for future career advancement 
  • Demonstrates outstanding leadership potential and scholarly achievement 

How do you nominate a candidate?

Nominators must submit this form along with a one-page statement of support or a description of the candidate’s contributions, achievements, and administrative experience to this link.

What happens after a candidate has been nominated?

Our staff will reach out to the candidate using the contact information on the nomination form. We will ask for the following to be submitted to us by April 8, 2024:

  1. Personal Statement: Please keep your statement to one page. We will be looking for the following attributes:  
    • Demonstration of scholarly contributions 
    • Demonstration of leadership in the scholarly field 
    • Demonstration of leadership in institutional management 
    • Dedication to student well-being 
    • Understanding and promotion of diversity in higher education 
    • Integration of Asian/Pacific Islander and American heritage in educational leadership 

      2. Reference Letters (2): We ask that the letters be no longer than two pages maximum.

      3. CV: Please keep your CV to 20 pages or less. 

When will decisions be announced?

Candidates will receive a response if they have been selected or not by May 31, 2024.

About Dr. Chang-Lin Tien

Chang-Lin Tien was the first AANHPI to head a major US research university. During his seven-year tenure as chancellor of UC Berkeley, he strengthened undergraduate education, fostered diversity on the Berkeley campus, and raised nearly $1 billion for the university.

Acclaimed as a teacher, scientist, administrator, and a powerhouse fundraiser, Dr. Tien was admired by many students and faculty members. Dr. Tien was a familiar figure on campus, where he took daily walks, stopping to chat with students and even bringing cookies to students studying at the library late at night.

Under Dr. Tien’s leadership, the campus built several new facilities, including the Haas School of Business. A week before telling UC Regents of his plans to resign, Dr. Tien announced a $15 million gift from Taiwanese donors toward construction of a new East Asian Library.