Oliva, Lawrence Jay, 1933-

Born in Walden, New York on September 23, 1933, L. Jay Oliva received his B.A. from Manhattan College in 1955 and his M.A. (1957) and Ph.D. (1960) from Syracuse University. He began his career at NYU in 1960, as an associate professor of Russian history, becoming a full professor of history in 1969. Around this time, he began to take on administrative responsibilities in addition to his academic appointments. From 1970 to 1975 he served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor. During part of this time he also served as Dean of Faculty for the University College of Arts and Science (1971-1972). He then became Vice-President for Academic Planning and Services (1975-1977), Vice-President for Academic Affairs (1977-1980), Provost and Executive Vice-President for Academic Affairs (1980-1983), Chancellor and Executive Vice-President for Academic Affairs (1983-1990), and Chancellor and President (1991-2002). He currently serves as the executive producer for the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts by booking the center and raising money to support it. Oliva's responsibilities as Provost and Executive Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Chancellor and Executive Vice-President for Academic Affairs were essentially the same -- to manage the day-to day operations of the university, including the preparation and implementation of the annual university budget.

During the course of his tenure in these two positions, Oliva contributed to the expansion of NYU's campus, including the creation of eleven residence halls as well as additional classroom space. Other accomplishments include the establishment of a support network for faculty, improvement of the classroom environment, and the reestablishment of a varsity basketball at the University. He participated in many university activities and made himself accessible to the students by living above a residence hall and working out in the university gym. Oliva helped create many grant programs for the professors and supported the research work of the faculty. In 1990, the NYU Board of Trustees unanimously elected him the successor of Dr. John Brademas as NYU's fourteenth president. On November 21, 1991, Oliva became the first faculty member in the institution's 163-year history to be elevated to this position. His vision of long-term growth and development of NYU's community was continued in his presidency.