Despite daunting budget times ahead, the University of California has an invaluable resource on its side: President Robert C. Dynes. At a Jan. 24 campus appearance, Dynes demonstrated his uplifting passion and vision, which are surely necessary to guide the university through these challenges.

Though he has faced criticism — these pages included — for his unilateral negotiations on a budget compact with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dynes’ year-long, universitywide tour has exhibited his desire for broad input, including new advisory committees formed under his administration. His insistence on placing “quality over quantity” bodes well for continuing the legacy of excellence that has defined this institution. In an interview, Dynes stated his commitment to using the university’s meager state funding to support target personnel, including competitive wages for chancellors and merit-based promotions for staff and faculty.

In this time of need, it is important that the university possess a long-term model to chart its course into the future. However, it is imperative for Dynes to realize the limitations of his own idealism and hopefulness and acknowledge the sensitivity of the assumptions in his plans. Whether it is the built-in inflation estimates in the compact or assumptions about the professional needs of the state’s economy 20 years down the road, these assumptions may derail even the best-laid strategies.

Though challenges remain, Dynes’ current administration certainly provides a basis for cautious optimism.