Likins welcomes new 'team'

Eric M. Jukelevics Arizona Daily Wildcat At the Flandrau Science Center, President Likins (right) gives a reception to welcome the three new administrators from left: Vice President for University Advancement Dr. Janet Bingham, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies Dr. Richard C. Powell and General Council Judith Leonard.

Head lawyer Judith Leonard, as well as vice presidents Janet Bingham and Richard Powell, who joined Likins' 10-member cabinet last semester, were honored at the afternoon soiree at the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium.

"They are important to me individually and collectively," Likins said, "I like to work with a team."

Leonard, the UA general counsel, aims to improve the university's legal office by "enhancing our role in accomplishing university goals in legal, ethical and efficient ways," she said.

Leonard's 18 years of legal experience include seven years as the University of North Carolina associate legal advisor, as well as work for the federal Department of Education and the White House Drug Policy Office.

Closer to home, she was an assistant to the Arizona Attorney General before coming to the UA.

"The change is wonderful and the transition has been smooth," Leonard said. "I have joined a very talented legal staff with a lot of expertise."

Bingham, who received her degree in education, speech and theater arts from the UA, had been with the administration 15 years before becoming vice president for university advancement this fall.

Bingham said she plans to examine three critical areas to the future of the university: preserving financial integrity, reaching out to the state government, and the development of partnerships with communities.

Bingham's agenda includes, she said, "ensuring we have excellent relationships with all of our constituents, because we depend on them to support the university so we can fulfill our mission."

A former television news producer in Los Angeles, Bingham has spent the last nine years as the assistant vice president for Health Services, where her job included lobbying state legislators.

"Every minute has been an adventure," she said

Richard Powell, new vice president for research and graduate studies, said he knows the importance of research firsthand.

Powell, who was head of the Optical Sciences Department since 1992, said he also plans to improve communication, particularly with the state legislature.

"We need to articulate to the community and legislature why creativity is so important," said Powell.

Genevieve D. Cruise can be reached at Genevieve.D.Cruise@wildcat.arizona.edu