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.
2025 Chang-Lin Tien Leadership in Education Award Nominations
2025 Nominations will open soon.
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.