University of California Board of Regents Chair Richard Leib and UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D., issued the following statement today, July 10, on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s appointment of two new Regents to the University’s governing board:

The University of California announced today (July 7) the reappointment of Regent Richard Leib as chair of the UC Board of Regents and Regent Gareth Elliott as the Board’s vice chair. Chair Leib and Vice Chair Elliott were selected for their leadership roles by their fellow Regents and will serve one-year terms starting on July 1, 2023. 

University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., issued an open letter to the UC community today (Friday, June 30) on this week's Supreme Court decisions:

To the UC community:

The University of California is disappointed with today’s Supreme Court ruling rejecting the Biden administration’s plan to discharge billions of dollars of student loan debt. This historic relief program would have made a significant impact on the lives of college graduates, particularly for those from low-income backgrounds who are more likely to take on debt to complete their education. It also harms society as a whole: Those with student loans are less likely to earn advanced degrees, purchase a home, start their own business or make other investments that benefit their communities.

University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., today (June 15) issued the following statement on California’s 2023-24 budget:

With passage of California’s fiscal year budget, the state Legislature has demonstrated its strong support for the University of California and our shared priorities. We are deeply grateful to Governor Newsom and the legislature for this support — especially during a fiscally challenging time. We believe this budget reflects their belief in the University of California’s role as a driver of economic innovation and social mobility.

In a move to power the engines of innovation and entrepreneurship across the University of California, UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D., today (June 2) convened the President’s Entrepreneurship Network Council to support entrepreneurial activity across the University’s 10 campuses, from invention to commercialization.