The President of the University of California has announced his decision to step down after overseeing the institution through various challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic, labor strikes, and campus protests. Michael V. Drake, the first Black individual to hold this position in the university’s long history, will conclude his term at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, describing his time in office as “the honor of a lifetime.”
Drake expressed his immense pride in the accomplishments of the UC community during his tenure, stating that he consistently aimed to listen to stakeholders, uphold shared values, and leave the institution in a better state than he found it. He highlighted the university’s continued positive impact on the lives of many Californians through research, teaching, and public service.
Taking office in July 2020 amidst the early stages of the pandemic and nationwide protests for racial justice following George Floyd’s murder, Drake has navigated the university system through several significant events. Under his leadership, the state budget for the university saw a 5% annual increase over five years to support enrollment growth and improve access for underrepresented students. Additionally, initiatives were implemented to minimize tuition hikes and offer free tuition to Native American students from federally recognized tribes.
With nearly 300,000 enrolled students, the University of California is the state’s second-largest university system after California State University. Prior to his current role, Drake had a long career in higher education, serving as chancellor of the University of California, Irvine, leading The Ohio State University, and chairing the National Collegiate Athletic Association. He is also a trained physician and former ophthalmology professor at the University of California, San Francisco.
Governor Gavin Newsom commended Drake for his leadership, describing him as a visionary who led with grace. Newsom expressed gratitude on behalf of all Californians for Drake’s contributions to the UC system and his role in shaping a brighter future for the state, noting that Drake’s dedication to higher education has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of California leaders.
