University of California System President Michael V. Drake, age 74, is set to retire at the end of the 2024-25 academic year.
According to City News, Drake has been serving as the University of California President since July 2020. His tenure has seen the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent protests on multiple campuses in support of Palestine and against cooperation with Israel.
Under Drake’s leadership, besides the system’s 10 campuses, his jurisdiction also includes 6 medical systems and 3 national laboratories within the University of California System. He is the first African-American to hold the position of University of California President.
Prior to becoming the 21st President of the University of California, Drake served as the President of Ohio State University from 2014 to June 2020, and from 2005 to 2014, he was the Chancellor of UC Irvine.
Born in New York City, Drake grew up in New Jersey and Santa Clara, California. He attended Stanford University and later pursued his medical education at the University of California, San Francisco.
Drake’s history with the University of California System spans over 25 years, where he held academic and administrative positions at UC San Francisco, Irvine, and Riverside campuses.
The University of California stated that some of Drake’s significant accomplishments include strengthening the relationship with Governor Newsom, reaching a five-year funding agreement, implementing a system-wide tuition stability plan, and creating the University of California Native American Initiative.
In a statement, Drake said: “I have always strived to listen to those I serve, uphold our shared values at the University of California, and do all I can to make this institution even more outstanding than before.”
Drake’s tenure has been marked by major challenges such as the transition to remote learning during the COVID pandemic, campus protests in support of “Black Lives Matter” following George Floyd’s death, and recent demonstrations on campus supporting Palestine and calling for divestment from Israel.
A statement from President Drake’s office mentioned: “One of the core focuses of the President is to create a safe and respectful community that fosters free exchange of ideas… to ensure that every member of the University of California community feels safe and respected.”
The University of California announced that a committee will be established by the Board of Regents to search for Drake’s successor, comprising representatives from students, faculty, and alumni.