James B. Milliken appointed UC System president, replaces Drake

James B. Milliken, currently chancellor of the University of Texas system, has been appointed as the next president of the University of California (UC) system, following a unanimous approval by the UC Board of Regents. Milliken brings decades of leadership experience from major public university systems, previously heading the University of Texas, City University of New York, and University of Nebraska. His tenure in Texas was marked by initiatives to fully cover tuition for qualifying low-income students, record-setting enrollment, low student debt, and nearly $5 billion in annual research expenditures. Milliken emphasized his commitment to expanding education, research, health care, and public service at UC, which he described as the world's preeminent public research university. He will assume the role on August 1, 2025, with an annual salary of $1,475,000. UC leaders, including Board Chair Janet Reilly, highlighted Milliken's experience as critical for guiding the system during a time of significant change in higher education.