James B. Milliken’s appointment as the 22nd president of the University of California has garnered praise from faculty, students, elected officials, and community leaders from California and beyond. Milliken has vast experience as a higher education leader in Texas, New York, Nebraska, and North Carolina and an unwavering commitment to making college more accessible and affordable for all.
When he assumes the role of UC president on Aug. 1, Milliken will oversee a world-renowned system that educates nearly 300,000 students, treats more than 10 million patients a year, and conducts groundbreaking research that improves lives and fuels over $80 billion in economic activity.
Hear what people are saying about UC’s next president and his ability to meet this moment:
Governor Gavin Newsom
“California’s future depends on the strength of our institutions, and few are more vital than the University of California. Chancellor Milliken brings years of experience and the steady, strategic leadership needed to expand UC’s impact across the state. I am excited to see him drive the next chapter of innovation, talent, and progress that will shape California and the country for generations to come.”
Mike McGuire, President Pro Tempore, California State Senate
“So long, Longhorns — Hello Bears, Bruins and Banana Slugs! The UC system is the gold standard for higher learning across the nation and around the world. It takes innovative, dynamic leadership to head up UC, especially in these turbulent times. We couldn’t be more excited to work with incoming President Milliken as he takes the helm in the coming months and we want to thank President Drake for his lifetime commitment and tireless work on behalf of the students of California. We know the best is yet to come for the University of California.”
Monique Limón, California State Senator; Chair, UC Legislative Roundtable
“As a proud UC Berkeley alumna, former UC staff member, and co-chair of the UC Legislative Roundtable, I know how vital the University of California is to our state. I look forward to partnering with Chancellor Milliken to continue to advance the work of UC in delivering life-saving health care, driving economic growth, and expanding opportunities across California — all while serving and transforming the lives of nearly 300,000 students.”
Dr. Mildred García, Chancellor, California State University
“Chancellor Milliken is a principled, collaborative and visionary leader, committed to academic excellence and student success. I look forward to working closely with Chancellor Milliken to advance our many shared values and to continue to build the longstanding and strong partnership between our systems — unlocking the full potential of California’s diverse students and driving our state to its brightest future.”
Dr. Sonya Christian, Chancellor, California Community Colleges
“I am delighted with the appointment of Chancellor Milliken for this crucial leadership role. As a solutions-oriented leader, his vision, ingenuity, and perseverance will serve the University of California well at this critical juncture for higher education. I am excited to collaborate with him to ensure the transfer process is more connected and supportive, so every California student has the opportunity to forge a path to success regardless of where they come from.”
Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Chancellor, City University of New York
“I extend my sincere congratulations to Chancellor Milliken on his appointment as president of the University of California. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in some of the most complex higher education environments, including at CUNY — home to the largest urban public university in the nation. His deep commitment to public service and student success, combined with a strong belief in the power and potential of faculty and staff, gives him the insight that today’s higher education leaders need to thrive.”
Karol V. Mason, President, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
“I have known Chancellor Milliken since his time at the University of North Carolina System, when I was on the Board of Trustees at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I’m excited for Milliken and the University of California System. He is a visionary and creative leader and knows how to build and sustain relationships with a broad constituency.”
Daniel R. Dominguez, Ph.D., former student regent, UT system
“Chancellor Milliken is a true champion for students and for the power of public education. As a student regent on the UT Board, I saw firsthand how deeply he listened and how boldly he acted to expand opportunities for the student body, faculty, and the entire university system. UC is gaining a great and caring leader.”
Dr. Jacqueline Fay, past Chair, UT System Faculty Advisory Council
“Chancellor Milliken fostered strong, collaborative relationships with faculty. He recognized our role in advancing the university’s mission, and together, we delivered meaningful progress that will be felt for generations to come. He has shown himself to be a thoughtful, steady choice to guide UC through the complex challenges facing higher education today.”
Terrence F. Martell, former Head of Systemwide Faculty Senate, CUNY
“As Chair of the University Faculty Senate, I had the pleasure of working closely with Chancellor Milliken during his time as CUNY chancellor, where he helped guide a system serving over 250,000 students and showed a deep respect for the role of faculty in driving academic excellence and student success. The University of California is fortunate to have him, and I look forward to seeing the impact of his leadership in the years ahead.”
Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, President, UT Southwestern Medical Center
“Chancellor Milliken, as a deeply seasoned administrative leader, has long championed the vital role public research universities play in delivering life-saving care, advancing medical research, and serving the public good. At a time when institutions face mounting pressures from various stakeholders, he has the leadership experience and skills needed to advance the mission of public higher education and its impact nationally.”
Ted Mitchell, President, American Council on Education
“Throughout his career, Chancellor Milliken has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to lead complex higher education systems across the country, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities. He understands that today’s institutions must not only educate, but also innovate, partnering with government, business, and communities to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, staff, and institutional partners. His proven leadership and deep commitment to public service make him exceptionally well-suited to guide the world’s greatest university system at this critical moment. UC deserves the best and they have hired the best."
Jeff Raikes, Co-Founder, Raikes Foundation; former CEO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
“I’ve seen Chancellor Milliken lead public university systems with integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to expanding opportunity. We grew up with those values in Nebraska, and he’s carried them throughout his career. Milliken’s success comes from his ability to build strong relationships, understand different perspectives, and lead with conviction. That’s the kind of leadership higher education needs right now, and he’s uniquely prepared to deliver.”
Evan Smith, former CEO, Texas Tribune
“In Chancellor Milliken, the University of California is a getting a public citizen, a public intellectual and a principled leader with the vision and experience to meet the moment — to navigate challenging, polarizing times for higher education, our communities and our country. His record at the University of Texas more than bears this out. Students, faculty and lawmakers alike respected and trusted him, and the system thrived.”
Felicia Marcus, former Chair, California State Water Resources Control Board
“The University of California system is one of California’s most treasured resources. Chancellor Milliken brings unparalleled experience managing complex university systems, coupled with humanity, creativity, and a deep respect for the institution. As one of the most talented, experienced, and thoughtful university leaders in the nation, I truly believe he will serve our state and its people immeasurably well.”