Eric Kaler

President, Case Western Reserve University

Education: doctoral degree in chemical engineering, University of Minnesota; bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, California Institute of Technology

How I Approach My Day: With optimism and a sense of humor

What Success Looks Like to Me: Dancing at my granddaughter’s wedding. She’s 9 now.

What I Look for in a Leader: Honesty, clear communication, courage and a sense of what is right

Favorite Quote: “It’s hard to make predictions, especially about the future.” — Yogi Berra or Neils Bohr

What Motivates Me Right Now: A strong desire for us to emerge from the current turmoil in higher education as a stronger institution

My Leadership Style: My job is to get the bus, get the right people in the right seats, buy the gas and make suggestions if the bus goes the wrong way.

A Cleveland Spot I Recommend: Little Italy