On Nov. 8, Interim President Arthur Levine ’70 sat down with The Justice to discuss his personal ties to the University and his goals for its future. Levine graduated from Brandeis in 1970, with a Bachelor of Arts in biology. Brandeis gave Levine a love for higher education, resulting in his pursuit of a successful career in academia including presidencies at Teachers College, Columbia University and Bedford College.

In addition to professional successes, Levine made several lifelong connections at Brandeis. These include some of his dearest friends, such as the co-author of one of his 13 books and the professor to who the book was dedicated, Prof. William Goldsmith (AMST). The fast friends were even best men at each other's weddings. Additionally, a Brandeis friend introduced Levine to his wife, Linda Fentiman.

Levine noted that one thing that makes Brandeis unique is the commitment to social justice held by the students. He explained that this state of mind has not changed over the years, stating it as one of the most prominent memories of his undergraduate experience. Levine added that while the students' commitment to social justice has not changed, the way that they go about it has evolved over time. When he was at Brandeis, Levine explained that some of the most popular protest topics were the United States’ participation in the Vietnam War and civil rights. Instead of spreading the word via social media, flyers were printed out and placed in all student mailboxes in the mailroom, which back then was the Mailman House. Levine explained that he is in support of student protests as long as they do not cause harm to anyone.

In addition to a commitment to social justice, Levine made an impact on campus as the Student Union treasurer when he was an undergraduate. He enjoyed being involved in student government and met with Student Union President Rani Balakrishna ’25 and Vice President Ria Escamilla-Gill ’27 during his first week in office.

Since his arrival on campus on Nov. 1, Levine has made an effort to connect with current students, visiting the dining halls to share meals and attending on-campus events. He expressed that he has enjoyed connecting with students and found them all to be welcoming. Levine has been seen at all sorts of events, from basketball games to an event celebrating first generation students. He is a first generation college graduate himself, explaining that he chose Brandeis after looking through college flyers with his mom. 

Levine cites his Jewish background as a reason for attending the University. As he explained, he grew up in an area with predominant Catholic and Jewish populations. The Catholic population thought that Notre Dame was the best school in the world, while the Jewish population championed Brandeis. Growing up, the two schools seemed like the only ones in existence.

While speaking with The Justice, Levine shared that the Board of Trustees sought him out for this position. He explained that he doesn’t believe he would’ve been offered this position if Brandeis was in a good state, referring to himself as a “fixer-upper.”

Levine is looking to work with community members in his plans to improve the University, with an emphasis on including faculty in the problem solving process. He hopes that he can work with faculty to come to agreements together. Levine is also planning to take on a more active role in terms of enrollment. 

In addition to University departments, Levine has already started thinking about future moves for Brandeis, placing an emphasis on the potential addition of a micro-certification program similar to the one found at Harvard University. The implementation of a program such as this one would allow students to take skills that they learn in classes and on campus and add them to their resumes. He advocated for further integration and expansion of career services and thinks that such a program would increase the success and resumes of students.

Levine expressed a need for the University to remain neutral as an entity, explaining that personal opinions should remain separate from the institution. He explained that he has had some unpopular opinions and stances before, but has kept the line between the school and himself clear, never associating a school with his own beliefs.

Levine expressed gratitude to those who have helped him with his transition to presidency and those who will continue to support him, thanking specifically the Board of Trustees for providing him with a golf cart as he navigates the campus with muscular dystrophy. He also shouted out all of the members of his team for their work, highlighting in particular Meredith Ainbinder, chief of staff and Senior Advisor to the President.

Levine is no stranger to small endowments, as Teachers College has an even smaller endowment than Brandeis. He is ready to jump into fundraising, with the goal of presenting a plan for a Capital Campaign to the Board of Trustees within two weeks. Levine is also excited to start working with his fellow alumni, but admitted that the thing he is most nervous about is speaking at his upcoming class reunion.