University of California President Mark Drake announces resignation

The incumbent University of California President, Michael V. Drake, will conclude his term at the conclusion of the imminent academic year, marking the end of a five-year period during which he successfully guided the 10-campus system through the challenges of the Covid-19 outbreak, enrollment growth, labor conflicts, and campus demonstrations.

Drake, aged 74, disclosed his decision in an official statement to the UC community on Wednesday. 

“I am extremely proud of the achievements of our students, faculty, and staff over the past few years. Despite enduring a global pandemic, natural disasters, and both international and domestic strife, you have collectively fortified our University, rendering it more robust, resilient, impactful, and inclusive than ever,” he remarked. 

Drake, who notably became UC’s first Black president, assumed office in August 2020 after previously serving as the president of Ohio State University. He had also held positions as the chancellor of UC Irvine and as the vice president of health affairs for UC overall.

During his inauguration as UC president, campuses were gearing up for their primary academic term amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Drake played a pivotal role in overseeing remote learning and the return of students to campus facilities.

California Governor Gavin Newsom lauded Drake’s leadership during the pandemic, acknowledging in a statement that he “assumed leadership of the University of California during the peak of the pandemic and has since demonstrated grace and foresight. ”

Newsom collaborated with Drake to solidify a five-year agreement that both parties endorsed in 2022. As part of this arrangement, Newsom vowed to annually augment UC’s funding by 5%, contingent upon the system working towards specific objectives, including enhancing graduation rates and increasing the enrollment of Californian residents.

The augmentation of Californian enrollment has been a significant focus for state legislators, who have consistently urged UC to actualize it. In recent times, UC has made headway in this regard. In the fall of 2023, the incoming freshman class of the system comprised 42,058 Californians—2,094 more than the preceding autumn, marking the most substantial annual increase during Drake’s term.

Further escalation in the enrollment of California residents may occur this forthcoming fall. On Wednesday, UC disclosed that it admitted 93,290 first-year students from California for the fall term of 2024, which is a record figure and represents a 4.3% elevation relative to the previous year.

Nonetheless, Drake’s tenure at the helm of UC has been mired in obstacles. 

In 2022, 48,000 academic employees at UC collectively embarked on a strike, constituting the largest-ever strike action by higher education staff. Eventually, UC and the workers came to terms, resulting in increased wages and enhanced benefits for the employees.

Despite this, the union sanctioned another strike this spring amid protests supporting Palestine, alleging that UC had infringed upon their rights by retaliating against them for their participation. Workers proceeded to strike at six campuses, but a court later issued a restraining order, halting their strike.

The pro-Palestinian protests and encampments gained momentum at several UC campuses this spring, prompting several UC chancellors to enlist law enforcement to detain students and disassemble encampments. Protesters advocated for UC to divest from corporations associated with Israel; however, Drake’s office affirmed in April that it “has consistently rejected calls for boycotts and divestments involving Israel.” The possible resurgence of protests upon the commencement of the fall semester remains uncertain. 

As he commences his final year in office, Drake articulated his intent to “continue focusing on the tasks we have prioritized during my term,” as stated in his communication with the UC community.

“This involves enhancing support for students and establishing avenues for a UC education devoid of financial burdens, ensuring more California students can avail themselves of a UC degree, bolstering the University’s academic and research prowess, and striving to cultivate a secure and respectful environment that fosters the free exchange of ideas,” he elaborated.

Janet Reilly, the chair of UC’s board of regents, aims to promptly set up a committee to initiate a nationwide quest for the next president of the system.