The University of California system will have its first Black president.
Michael V. Drake will be the first Black President, according to a UCLA USAC External Vice President press release on Tuesday.
Drake will be welcomed by the University of California Board of Regents on Friday morning in a live conversation.
"President Drake will also be UC’s first Black President, and its first President of color," the press release said.
In a press release from the UCLA USAC External Vice President on Tuesday, USAC External Vice President Aidan Arasasingham said:
“I’m pleased to welcome Dr. Drake back to our UC community. Growing up at UC Irvine, I was impressed to witness first hand then-Chancellor Drake’s intentional partnership with students, focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, and commitment to educational access.Given the ongoing epidemics of Covid-19, unaffordability, and racial injustice in our state, students have high expectations for President Drake to chart a future rooted in social, economic, and racial justice. I look forward to working closely with President Drake to make that future a reality for UC.”
Dr. Drake has experience as a faculty member, health administrator and UC Irvine's fifth chancellor.