James B. Milliken Named 22nd President of the University of California

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The University of California Board of Regents has appointed James B. Milliken as the 22nd president of the UC system, which includes 10 campuses, six academic health centers and three national laboratories. A seasoned higher education leader, Milliken currently serves as chancellor of the University of Texas system and previously held top leadership roles at The City University of New York and the University of Nebraska. He will begin his new role on August 1, 2025, succeeding President Michael V. Drake, M.D.

Throughout his career, Milliken has championed student access and affordability, leading initiatives to expand tuition support and boost graduation rates across public institutions. At UT, he launched a program covering full tuition for qualifying students from families earning under $100,000 and oversaw nearly $5 billion in annual research expenditures. UC leaders praised his deep commitment to public higher education and his readiness to guide the university system through a dynamic period of change and opportunity. 

"We are eager to welcome incoming University of California President Milliken as the leader of our esteemed university system," said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. "With his impressive track record of leading large university systems, he brings a wealth of expertise and vision that will propel our institution into a new era of excellence. We are excited to welcome him to our UC San Diego campus and look forward to collaborating with him to drive innovation, foster academic excellence, and advance the UC mission."

Read the full UC Office of the President announcement