USM official steps down after 45 years

Even after nearly 45 years of academic achievements and numerous contributions to this university's academic ascendancy, Irv Goldstein only uses the word "we" to describe the accomplishments made under his leadership.

Goldstein, the University System of Maryland's senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, announced last week he will step down June 30 from the position he's held since 2003. After rising through the ranks of academic and administrative positions at this university over a 37-year span, Goldstein led the establishment of four of the first College Park Scholars programs — including International Studies and Public Leadership — in 1994, as well as the Anwar Sadat Chair for Peace and in 1994, as well as the Anwar Sadat Chair for Peace and Development in 1997, a high-profile connection between this university and former Egyptian First Lady Jehan Sadat, who helps fund the program.

While Goldstein's most recent position as senior vice chancellor for academic affairs took him out of the classroom environment, it allowed him to work with provosts from universities across the state to develop new academic programs and deal with complex issues such as the family leave policy.

And although he may be leaving his position after more than four decades in higher education, he's still not ready to stop seeing and helping students altogether.

"I would love to work with students again," Goldstein said.

Goldstein began his career at this university as an assistant psychology professor in 1966, and he worked his way up to high-level administrative positions, including chairman of the psychology department and dean of the behavioral and social sciences college, before being promoted to his current position in USM.

Many faculty members said without Goldstein's leadership, this university would not be able to enjoy its scholarly recognition. While serving as BSOS dean, Goldstein saw the college's research funding nearly triple, said Cynthia Hale, graduate school assistant dean, who worked with Goldstein at the time.

"There were lots of initiatives and new interdisciplinary projects [at the time] and it was through his leadership that we got those things started and established and funded," Hale said.

Goldstein's achievements did not go unrecognized: In 2001, then-university president Dan Mote awarded him with the President's Medal — the highest distinction possible at this university.

"That was a pretty emotional moment," Goldstein said. "I always considered it a faculty, staff and student award — I was the one chosen because I was leading the group, but I don't really believe that it's one person."

But Goldstein's job wasn't always easy. Although he led the committee responsible for recommending the appointment of former men's basketball coach Gary Williams, he was often chosen to serve on committees making difficult decisions about the university's budget — including how to grapple with shrinking funds in a tough economic climate — and strategy planning.

And his role continued to be multifaceted, administrators said. Whether it was serving as interim provost or interim graduate school dean, the university community relied on Goldstein's contributions.

"Everyone trusts his judgment," USM Chancellor Brit Kirwan said. "He's an individual that knows both how to make difficult decisions but to do it in a way that it is inclusive of differing opinions and engenders support once decisions are made."

Faculty members who have worked closely with Goldstein said his leadership proved to be an invaluable resource.

"Irv is in many ways the ideal administrator," said psychology professor emerita Ellin Scholnick. "He has a wonderful sense of how to work with people and how to run a department or a deanship to get things done."

Goldstein and his wife established the Irv and Micki Goldstein Scholarship in 2002, which offers $1,500 in merit aid to several rising BSOS seniors in financial need.

"I think my wife and I both felt that the university has been so good to us that we really wanted to give back," Goldstein said.

Although he'll be leaving USM, Kirwan said he wants to keep Goldstein on board for special projects as needed.

"When you have really difficult and complicated issues to address, he's one of the first persons you think of to tackle them," he said. "His integrity is so high, and the trust that people have in him is total."

marcot@umdbk.com