03-05-2025
University of California announced its 22nd president
( — The University of California Board of Regents has approved the appointment of James B. Milliken as the 22nd president of UC's world-renowned system of 10 campuses, six academic health centers, and three nationally affiliated laboratories.
According to a statement released by the University of California, Milliken has been serving as the chancellor of the University of Texas since 2018. His career also includes serving as the chancellor of The City University of New York from 2014 to 2018, president of the University of Nebraska from 2004 to 2014, and senior vice president at the University of North Carolina from 1998 to 2004.
'The University of California is universally regarded as the preeminent public research university in the world, and I am deeply honored to have an opportunity to join the many talented faculty, staff, and campus leaders in their vital work. It is more important than ever that we expand the education, research, health care, and public service for which UC is so widely admired and which has benefited so many Californians,' said Milliken.
UC officials stated that he is guided by his commitment to expand opportunities and student success. Milliken has been a leader in expanding access to high-education for low-income students.
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When he was the chancellor of UT, he held an initiative to cover the full cost of tuition and fees for students who qualified, which included families whose incomes were under $100,000.
The UC said in their statement that Milliken's leadership at UT also included record-setting enrollment levels, low college debt, and almost $5 billion in annual research expenditures, ranking second in the nation.
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'Chancellor Milliken embodies the qualities and leadership experiences the University of California community needs at this moment,' said Janet Reilly, chair of the UC Board of Regents. 'He understands how critical UC's contributions are to the state and the country, and he has decades of experience leading public institutions during times of unprecedented change in higher education. Chancellor Milliken is simply the right person for UC at just the right time.'
Milliken will be entering his new role in August with the board's approval salary of $1,475,000, said UC authorities. He will be taking over for President Drake, who has served as the University's president since 2020 and who announced he would step down in July.
The six-month-long search for the University's systemwide leader started in November of last year, which was guided by criteria approved by the regents, said officials. The team was filled with stakeholders, including faculty, students, staff, alumni, and community partners.
'Serving on the search committee was a tremendous responsibility and an opportunity to represent student voices,' said Student Regent Josiah Beharry. 'Throughout this process, we were searching for more than just a leader — we were looking for someone who could speak the language of equity with action, who understands that affordability is not a privilege, but a promise.
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