Students at the University of California engaging in collaborative learning.
James B. Milliken has been appointed as the new president of the University of California, effective August 1. With over 25 years of experience, including his current role as chancellor of the University of Texas system, Milliken is set to tackle the challenges facing higher education. His leadership comes at a crucial time for the UC system, which is grappling with fiscal challenges and striving to enhance access to education for low-income and first-generation students. As Milliken prepares to take charge, the university community awaits his strategies for promoting equity and inclusion.
The University of California (UC) is turning a fresh page in its leadership history with the exciting appointment of James B. Milliken as its next president. Announced on a Friday afternoon, Milliken will officially step into his new role on August 1, ready to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the world of higher education.
At 68 years old, Milliken isn’t new to the game. Currently serving as the chancellor of the University of Texas system—a position he has held since 2018—he brings over 25 years of experience in leading large public university systems. He’s adept at working through various political terrains across both red and blue states, a skill that might just come in handy with the current turbulence in higher education.
This selection wraps up a six-month search to fill the position previously held by Michael V. Drake, who, after making history as UC’s first Black president, will conclude his term on July 31. Drake faced an unprecedented array of challenges during his tenure, from the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic to campus protests.
Milliken’s new gig won’t be without its hurdles. He’s stepping into a territory that has seen its fair share of confusion and scrutiny, particularly from the Trump administration, which is currently investigating areas such as admissions policies and allegations of antisemitism. Despite not naming any political figures directly, Milliken addressed the “unprecedented times in higher education” and the variety of challenges universities face today.
During his leadership in Texas, he managed a sizable system consisting of 14 campuses and serving around 256,000 students. His dedication to the core mission of the University of California—teaching, research, healthcare, and public service—remains unwavering, even amid pressing external pressures.
One of Milliken’s primary focuses will be on expanding access to higher education for low-income and first-generation students. He has a history of promoting diversity within enrollment. Recognizing the disparity between talent and opportunity, Milliken is committed to ensuring that public higher education meets the needs of all students, irrespective of their backgrounds. After all, as he aptly puts it, “Talent is universal but opportunity is not”.
Milliken’s appointment comes at a time when the UC system is facing some fiscal challenges. A substantial budget cut proposal of about 8% looms on the horizon, leading to a hiring freeze and budget reductions already in place. The system has reportedly lost $300 million in federal awards since January, and the anticipated cuts could significantly impact its operations and campus initiatives.
The University of California, with a whopping $53 billion in resources, serves an impressive 299,000 students, 26,000 faculty, and 192,000 staff across ten campuses, six academic health systems, and three national laboratories. This is a mammoth task, and Milliken’s experience will be invaluable in navigating these complexities.
Going forward, the future of UC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs will be under the spotlight, especially with recent Supreme Court rulings that may alter the landscape of affirmative action. Milliken’s leadership approach, already noted for its caution towards political pressures during his time in Texas, will be pivotal in addressing these shifts.
As he prepares to take the helm on August 1, the University of California community is eager to see how Milliken will leverage his extensive background to promote educational access while addressing the pressing challenges facing higher education today.
With an annual salary of $1.475 million, which is an increase from Drake’s $1.308 million, many are optimistic that Milliken is ready to get to work and lead UC into a new era of higher education, where both challenges and opportunities await.
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