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University of California president Michael Drake to step down
UC President Michael Drake will step down at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
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Kirk Irwin
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
University of California President Michael Drake announced Wednesday he will step down in June 2025 after five years leading the state's prestigious university system.
What did he accomplish? Drake started as UC president in July 2020, and was charged with leading the UC system through the pandemic. Over five years he faced a host of other challenges, including tight budgets, the enrollment of more California students, multiple strikes by academic workers, and how UC schools responded to student protests over policing and the war in Gaza.
About Drake: He previously served four decades in the UC system and then as president of Ohio State University. In a statement, Drake wrote that “it’s been an honor of a lifetime."
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What's next? For the system, the UC Board of Regents will soon launch a national search for their next president. For Drake, it's not a retirement: The professor of ophthalmology will return to the faculty ranks following a break. A UC spokesperson told LAist that there's no information available about Drake's ultimate landing spot.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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