Next president of UC system, James B. Milliken, leaving Texas for Golden State

James B Milliken incoming president of the UC system Photo courtesy of University of California James B Milliken chancellor of the University of Texas system has been named the next president of the University of California The heralded system includes UC San Diego UCLA and UC Berkeley among its campuses it was revealed Friday Milliken s appointment follows a six-month search to find a successor to UC President Michael V Drake who has served since and will step down on July The University of California is universally regarded as the preeminent masses research university in the world and I am deeply honored to have an opportunity to join the multiple talented faculty staff and campus leaders in their vital work Milliken declared in a report It is more vital than ever that we expand the schooling research medical care and community amenity for which UC is so widely admired and which has benefited so various Californians Milliken has spent more than years leading major general university systems taking top posts in both deeply conservative and liberal states Chancellor Milliken embodies the qualities and leadership experiences the University of California region requirements at this moment disclosed Janet Reilly chair of the UC Board of Regents Milliken will assume his role as UC president on Aug with a board-approved annual salary of leaders reported In Texas Milliken launched a major initiative to fully cover tuition and fees for eligible students from families earning under executives mentioned The system also saw record-high enrollment low scholar debt and nearly billion in annual research spending during his tenure In addition UT s strength setup which includes seven diagnostic schools ranks among the largest medical care providers in the country Before taking the helm at the University of Texas in Milliken served four years as chancellor of the -campus City University of New York A native of Nebraska he previously spent nearly a decade leading the University of Nebraska system and six years as a vice president in the -campus University of North Carolina system In a comment Drake stated Chancellor Milliken has the depth of wisdom and experience to handle the challenges and opportunities of this position I have great confidence in both his leadership and his commitment to the University s enduring values His appointment revealed Friday by the UC Board of Regents comes at a tense time for the system as universities nationwide face attacks from President Trump and cuts to federal research funding Chancellor Milliken s distinguished career and lifelong commitment to community coaching prepares him to lead the University of California in this new era disclosed UC regent Carmen Chu As the University evolves it is critical we engage leaders adept at navigating change and positioning the institution for long-term success UC s system serves students across its campuses along with six academic health centers and three affiliated national laboratories