Honesty and hard work are some of the characteristics Dr. Charles B. Reed used to describe himself Tuesday in a nationwide teleconference.

Reed was asked what special qualities he had to bring the California State University system as its newly-named chancellor.

Reed said he was not afraid to seek advice from others and to "...reach out and get the best people you can to work with you." It is also important to him to fix his mistakes.

Reed has another policy, "Have fun and donŐt take yourself too seriously," he said.

Reed brings to the CSU system 25 years of experience in government, 12 years of experience in one of the largest university systems in the United States and leadership skills.

He said he was well-versed in business leadership as well.

Reed said he will carry the plans of his predecessor, Dr. Barry Munitz, to the next level. One is rebuilding a solid CSU staff.

He also wants to increase the performance of students from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Reed would like to get pre-college students to a level where they do not have to take as many remedial classes at college level. He said he wants to prepare the work force for the 21st century.

Reed sees higher education as a "melting pot" of the socialization and economic processes for people to be successful.

Martha Fallgatter, chairwoman of the board of trustees, CSU, said that Reed was the only person discussed among the trustees for the position of chancellor.

Fallgatter described Reed as having "...honesty in his heart and soul had a passion for the mission of the CSU."

Reed said he will be on a "steep learning curve." It will take time to learn all the dynamics of the CSU system.

Some of those dynamics include becoming familiar with CaliforniaŐs policy on affirmative action and possible CSU expansion.