Robert Reich, former secretary of labor and Maurice Hexter professor of social and economic policy, announced he will leave Brandeis at the end of this semester to assume a post at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.Reich, who has taught here for eight years, says his decision to leave arose primarily because he has always wanted to teach at a great public university and to him, "Berkeley is ... the best public university in the world."

Partly in jest, Reich added, "My body hates Boston winters. [It] didn't used to be the case. Maybe I'm getting old."

Before coming to Brandeis, Reich served as secretary of labor in the Clinton administration. In that post, he oversaw the implementation of the Family and Medical Leave Act, spearheaded the fight to raise the minimum wage, secure workers' pensions and initiate job-training programs.

In 2002, Reich was a Democratic candidate for governor of Massachusetts.

He is the author of over 10 books, including The Work of Nations and The Future of Success.

Though Reich leaves Brandeis this year, he will teach his famous Wealth and Poverty class here for the last time this semester, which closed, as it consistently does, at an enrollment of 200.

University President Jehuda Reinharz said that though he, like many, will lament his departure, the decision reflects Reich's desire to experience another realm of the world of higher education.

"Professor Reich is a great teacher, colleague and personal friend of mine," Reinharz said. "He will always have a place at Brandeis, and I know from my conversations with him that Brandeis will always have a place in his heart."

Provost Marty Krauss agreed, adding that because Reinharz appointed Reich to his post here, only Reinharz can make a similar selection. No search has begun for a replacement, she said.

"We have all benefited from Professor Reich's eight years at Brandeis and we are very sorry to see him go west, but respect his decision and wish him and his family great happiness and success," Krauss said.

Prof. Donald Shepard (HS), who worked with Reich, commended the outgoing professor for his continual support of the Heller School's growth and said that his contribution and impact would remain at Brandeis.

"Bob Reich is a very prominent public figure so it was possible to combine advocacy, analysis and intervention together in a very thoughtful way," Shepard said. "His work in public policy helped identify the major gaps in our country that are rapidly increasing with Republican interest rates.

"His analysis has helped people identify what those solutions would be, especially in education, for those disadvantaged. That mixture, I think, has helped the Heller School, and will continue without Bob's regular presence."

Reich has taught at Berkeley for the past two spring semesters, and he says, "Berkeley certainly isn't the place it was in the 60's, which is a good thing. Otherwise, I wouldn't have any students in my classes. They'd all be outside protesting.