As the former chancellor of the California State University system, Reed oversaw 44,000 faculty and staff and 427,000 students on 23 campuses and seven off-campus centers.

In deciding the award, the judges cited Reed's commitment to students as chancellor of the CSU, where he has successfully steered the system's 23 campuses through state budget cuts while simultaneously meeting the complex demands of increasing enrollment.

In addition, they highlighted Reed's efforts to build collaborative partnerships and award-winning outreach programs – particularly those dedicated to students from underserved backgrounds – that have received national acclaim.

They also acknowledged his support of a number of multi-campus initiatives to improve research and instruction, and benefit local businesses and communities.

Reed pledged the $20,000 prize from the Hesburgh Award to the William Randolph Hearst CSU Trustee's Scholarship fund.

It was cited by the Commission on the Future of Higher Education as "one of the best national models of how higher-education and K–12 officials can collaborate to help students.

During his tenure, the CSU created the Super Sunday outreach program, which aims to provide college information to students and their families at predominantly African-American churches throughout California.

[10] In 2005, Reed helped the CSU secure one of the most significant changes since the formation of the university system in 1960: the statutory authority to grant the independent doctor of education (Ed.D.)

[13] A review by the California Bureau of State Audit determined the Chancellor's Office did not do a cost-benefit analysis or feasibility study before proceeding.

Current and past university officials stated that the practice was necessary due to the size and complexity of policy and budget matters facing the system.

[4] On May 24, 2012, after 14 years as CSU chancellor, Reed announced his retirement, leaving office at the end of December 2012, being succeeded by Timothy P. White.