Letter to the UC community from President Michael V. Drake, M.D.

Dear University of California Community,

I have informed UC Board of Regents Chair Janet Reilly that I will step down from my role as president at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. My plan is to take a sabbatical, after which I will return to the faculty.

My time with the University of California began five decades ago as a medical student at UC San Francisco. In every role since then — as a practicing physician, a faculty member, a research scientist, and an administrative leader — I have been privileged to be part of a community that champions excellence and opportunity, the pursuit of new knowledge, and public service on behalf of Californians and people everywhere.

I am immensely proud of what our students, faculty, and staff have accomplished these past several years. You have weathered a global pandemic and historic natural disasters, dealt with international conflict and domestic political uncertainty, navigated the stresses and opportunities of daily life, all while making our University stronger, more resilient, more impactful, and more inclusive than ever before. It has been my honor to serve as your president.

Over the next year, we will continue the work that we have focused on during my tenure. That includes expanding student support and creating paths to a debt-free UC education, ensuring that more California students can reap the benefits of a UC degree, building on the University's academic and research excellence, and working to promote a safe and respectful community that fosters a free exchange of ideas.

On a personal note, Brenda and I have been touched and humbled by the expressions of gratitude, encouragement, and support we have received from thousands of you over these many years. Thank you very much.

Fiat Lux!

Michael V. Drake
President of the University of California

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