SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- The University of California system has appointed its first-ever Black president in the system’s history, Cal Matters said Tuesday.
Michael V. Drake will become the 21st president of the University of California.
Drake is making the move after leaving The Ohio State University last week. There, he served as the university’s president from 2014 to 2020.
Drake was also chancellor of UC Irvine for nine years and served as the University of California vice president for health affairs from 2000 to 2005.
“Much has changed in the 15 years since I was given the privilege of becoming chancellor at UC Irvine, but not my absolute belief in this great University and its time-honored mission,” Drake said.
“I look forward to working with the regents, chancellors, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and our broader community as we, together, guide the University through the challenging times ahead. Brenda and I are thrilled to be back. Fiat Lux!”
Before deciding on Drake, the system went through a 10-month search after Janet Napolitano announced she would leave in August of 2020.
Drake’s salary has been approved by the board at $890,000.
