About the Presidency
The University of California, the nation’s preeminent public research university, seeks an exceptional and visionary leader with a commitment to public higher education to be its 22nd President. The President will provide leadership for the University’s ten campuses, six medical centers, three affiliated national laboratories, and statewide agriculture and natural resources program. The UC system comprises 295,500 students, 25,400 faculty, 173,300 staff, 2.6 million alumni, and an operating budget of $51.4 billion.
The Board of Regents seeks an individual who is an outstanding leader and a respected scholar who has successfully demonstrated these abilities in a major complex organization. The opportunity arises because of the decision by the current incumbent, Michael V. Drake, to close his tenure as President.
The office of the President (OP) supports the 10 campuses at Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz. It offers programs in more than 170 disciplines – many of which are ranked among the top 10 nationally. With six academic health centers, 21 health professional schools, four children's hospital campuses, and a Global Health Institute, the University of California provides a full range of health care services in their communities and support the clinical teaching programs. Additionally, the UC system is involved in managing three US Department of Energy national laboratories at Berkeley, Livermore, and Los Alamos.
Systemwide management of the University of California is assigned to UCOP based in Oakland, California. The President leads the institution systemwide and is accountable to a 26-member Board of Regents of whom 18 are appointed for 12-year overlapping terms by the Governor of the State of California.
The University of California is committed to cultural diversity and it is expected that the successful candidate will further this commitment. The University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
On November 14, 2024, the Board of Regents approved the criteria for the selection of the President of the University of California.