Tien, the first Asian-American to head a major American research university, refused to criticize the governor or the regents in his resignation statement. He remains committed to affirmative action, however. But also I see some injustice along the way. That is why we need diversity in the campus. Slight and somewhat bookish, with the thick accent of his native Wuhan, Tien believes American colleges have a unique role to play in the future of Asia.
American universities are leaders in Asia.
This is a tremendous resource for us, for Americans. People still look up to America. As a result, says Tien, Asia's leaders are anxious to support schools in the U.S., where academic freedom and creativity flourish. There is a lot of new thinking developed here. Tien says he plans to return to the laboratory after leaving the university.