The University of California Board of Regents has appointed James B. Milliken as the 22nd president of the University of California system, which includes 10 campuses, six academic health centers, and three nationally affiliated laboratories. Milliken will begin his tenure on August 1, 2025, with an approved annual salary of $1,475,000, succeeding current President Michael V. Drake, who will step down in July 2025.
James B. Milliken brings a wealth of experience in higher education, having served as the chancellor of the University of Texas system since 2018 and holding significant positions at the City University of New York and the University of Nebraska.
Milliken expressed his enthusiasm about joining UC by stating, “The University of California is universally regarded as the preeminent public research university in the world, and I am deeply honored to have an opportunity to join the many talented faculty, staff, and campus leaders in their vital work. It is more important than ever that we expand the education, research, health care, and public service for which UC is so widely admired and which has benefited so many Californians.”
Janet Reilly, chair of the UC Board of Regents, commented, “Chancellor Milliken embodies the qualities and leadership experiences the University of California community needs at this moment.” She emphasized his understanding of UC’s contributions and his experience in leading public institutions during transformative times in higher education.
Milliken’s past roles include initiatives to support low-income students at UT, with a program that covers the full cost of tuition and fees for eligible students from families earning under $100,000. His efforts at UT also resulted in record enrollment levels, reduced college debt, and almost $5 billion in annual research expenditures. At CUNY, Milliken expanded the ASAP (Accelerated Study in Associate Programs), significantly improving graduation rates for community college students and launching the CUNY School of Medicine.
Dr. Michael V. Drake, current UC President, stated, “Chancellor Milliken has the depth of wisdom and experience to handle the challenges and opportunities of this position. I have great confidence in both his leadership and his commitment to the university’s enduring values.”
Milliken’s appointment followed a six-month-long search that began in November 2024, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders, including faculty, students, and alumni. Student regent Josiah Beharry noted the importance of Milliken’s ability to communicate the value of public higher education and emphasized his commitment to equity. “In Chancellor Milliken, we found someone who not only believes in the transformative power of public higher education but who knows how to communicate its worth — to students, to families, and dreamers,” Beharry said.
Throughout his distinguished career, Milliken has been recognized with several honors such as the Distinguished Nebraskan Award and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. He served on various boards, including the American Council on Education, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Dr. Steven W. Cheung, chair of the Faculty Academic Senate, highlighted Milliken’s leadership abilities, noting, “In Milliken, we have found a highly respected leader who shares our highest aspirations for UC.”
Milliken, aged 68, is married to Nana Smith, and they have three adult children.
