Dr. Michael V. Drake, M.D., embodies visionary leadership at the helm of the University of California (UC) system. Appointed as the 21st President in August 2020, Dr. Drake took charge of a sprawling institution that includes 10 campuses, six academic health centers, three affiliated national laboratories, and an extensive community of over 290,000 students and 230,000 faculty and staff. His presidency reflects a deep commitment to fostering accessible, high-quality education, resilient health initiatives, and progressive policies that address the needs of diverse communities across California.
Throughout his leadership tenure, Dr. Drake has displayed an acute focus on public health, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his direction, the UC system implemented rigorous health and safety protocols, including a comprehensive vaccine mandate. This approach ensured the safety of students, faculty, and staff, significantly reducing infection rates compared to surrounding areas. Dr. Drake’s health-centered policies safeguarded UC’s mission of education, even in a time of global crisis, and underscored his emphasis on responsible, proactive leadership.
Dr. Drake’s career, prior to the UC presidency, established him as an advocate for equitable and transformative education. Serving as president of Ohio State University (OSU) from 2014 to 2020, he advanced OSU’s reputation for academic excellence and institutional growth. His earlier years at the University of California included nine years as chancellor of UC Irvine and five years as systemwide vice president for health affairs. His commitment to the UC community has been steadfast, marked by an unwavering dedication to health, academia, and accessibility in education.
As a scholar, Dr. Drake’s expertise is widely respected. He has held faculty roles in ophthalmology at UCSF and medicine at UC Riverside, fostering a blend of scientific rigor and leadership. His scholarly contributions extend to numerous publications and six co-authored books, providing valuable insights into medicine and higher education. His election to the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences further attests to his intellectual and professional contributions.
Financial sustainability and accessibility rank high among Dr. Drake’s priorities for the UC system. To mitigate tuition increases, he introduced the Tuition Stability Plan, a multiyear initiative approved in July 2021 by the UC Board of Regents, which offers students predictable tuition costs and expanded financial aid. Additionally, he championed a debt-free pathway for UC students, enhancing affordability for those from underrepresented backgrounds. The Native American Opportunity Plan launched in spring 2022 reflects this goal, covering tuition for California-based Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native students from federally recognized tribes. This commitment has directly supported UC’s record-breaking admission of first-year California students, creating a more inclusive university community.
Dr. Drake also secured a five-year funding compact with California Governor Gavin Newsom, solidifying UC’s financial foundation. This agreement, reflected in the 2022–23 state budget, provided $185 million to support UC’s ongoing efforts to address climate change — a critical priority for Dr. Drake. This funding empowers UC’s research, infrastructure, and long-term investment plans, all of which support the university’s mission to drive innovation and sustainability.
As president, Dr. Drake has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion across the UC system. Recognizing the urgent need to foster a sense of belonging on campuses, he led efforts to overhaul campus safety and policing, promoting community-driven safety principles and enhanced transparency. These reforms emphasize accountability and the importance of inclusive response models. Under Dr. Drake’s guidance, UC’s approach to safety now reflects a commitment to fair and responsive community engagement, underpinned by clear accountability.
Dr. Drake’s leadership extends beyond academia and public health. He serves on the boards of the Broad Museum of Art in Los Angeles and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, balancing his responsibilities in higher education with his passion for art and music. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Brenda, and enjoying time with their two adult sons and four grandchildren, Dr. Drake embodies a personal commitment to community, family, and cultural enrichment.
Dr. Michael V. Drake’s leadership represents a union of excellence, resilience, and inclusivity. His work strengthens the University of California as a model of public education, transforming it into a more accessible, diverse, and sustainable institution poised to lead into the future. Through strategic initiatives, financial sustainability, and an unwavering commitment to health and inclusivity, Dr. Drake defines the University of California’s role as a leader in 21st-century education.
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