Michael V. Drake, the first African-American president of the University of California (UC) system, announced his plan to step down. Drake will leave his position at the end of the 2024-25 academic year.
This news comes after five years of leadership during which Drake broke barriers and guided the UC system through challenging times.
Historic Leadership During Unprecedented Times
Drake took on his role as UC president during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He skillfully steered the university system through this public health crisis. His leadership ensured that UC campuses could continue their educational mission despite the unprecedented challenges.
During his tenure, Drake also oversaw significant growth in student diversity. On the day of his announcement, UC reported admitting its largest and most diverse class for the upcoming academic year.
Breaking Barriers in Higher Education
Drake’s appointment as UC president was groundbreaking. He became the first African-American to hold this position in the university system’s 125-year history. This achievement highlighted UC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of leadership.
Governor Gavin Newsom praised Drake’s contributions, saying, “He has used his decades of experience to advocate for better access to higher education for all Californians and has always fought for academic excellence.”
Expanding Educational Opportunities for Californians
Under Drake’s leadership, UC focused on increasing access to higher education. Drake emphasized the importance of this mission, stating, “We’re setting more California students on the path to a college degree and future success, and that translates to positive impact on communities throughout the state.”
This commitment to accessibility aligns with Drake’s long-standing advocacy for expanded educational opportunities. His efforts have helped shape the future of higher education in California.
A Legacy of Service and Growth
Throughout his tenure, Drake worked to grow the UC system and improve its impact on the state. Governor Newsom acknowledged this, saying, “His legacy of service in higher education has undoubtedly helped us grow the next generation of extraordinary California leaders.”
Drake’s leadership has left a lasting mark on the UC system. His focus on academic excellence, combined with efforts to increase diversity and accessibility, has set a strong foundation for the university’s future.
Looking Ahead: UC’s Future After Drake
As Drake prepares to step down, the UC system faces the task of finding a new leader. The next president will build on Drake’s achievements while addressing ongoing challenges in higher education.
Drake’s successor will need to continue efforts to increase diversity, maintain academic excellence, and ensure that UC remains accessible to all qualified students. The search for a new president will likely attract national attention given UC’s prominence in higher education.
