Robert Caret doesn't begin his tenure as University System of Maryland chancellor until July 1, but he soon will begin meeting with private and public-sector leaders, including Gov.-elect Larry Hogan, to shape his vision for the system.
The current University of Massachusetts president and former head of Towson University was formally introduced as Maryland's new chancellor at a news conference Friday at the Columbus Center in Baltimore.
He'll succeed William "Brit" Kirwan and guide 12 Maryland institutions of higher education, including the flagship University of Maryland, College Park, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the University of Baltimore, Coppin State University and Towson University.
Caret, 67, has said budget matters are among the top issues facing the system, and that would likely be the focus of a meeting with Hogan. The governor-elect has said the state is facing a fiscal crisis, with a shortfall that's projected at $1.2 billion over the next 18 months.
"The primary thing with [Hogan] will be the budget, from a day-to-day, here's-what-we're-facing-today type thing," Caret said. "And more importantly, I want to listen to what he wants from higher education and work with him to show where I can help get it.
"I don't want it to just be about what we want; I also want it to be about what the state needs."
Hogan has praised the selection of Caret, calling him "the perfect choice for this critical role."
"Bob is a national leader in innovation in education, with an incredible track record of success," Hogan said in a statement.
Caret set no timetable to meet with Hogan. "I will set up a meeting as soon as I can with him and other members of the legislative leadership," Caret said.
Caret has compared many of the financial concerns facing Maryland to those he experienced in Massachusetts. He said the university system will need to "be ready to change and ready to adapt," but also pledged to set a positive vision.
"We're going to improve the access and quality and focus of our research mission, innovation and economic development," he said.