This post was updated May 2 at 4:32 p.m.

The UC Board of Regents appointed James Milliken to be the University’s next president Friday.

Milliken, the current chancellor of the University of Texas system, will assume the role Aug. 1. He previously served as president of the University of Nebraska, chancellor of the City University of New York and senior vice president of the University of North Carolina.

[Related: UC President Michael Drake to step down following 2024-2025 academic year]

A presidential search committee, chaired by Regent Carmen Chu, selected Milliken, said Janet Reilly, the chair of the UC Board of Regents. 

“We saw a leader who brings steadfast experience, someone who understands the transformative power of a public university system, and who can build on UC’s legacy as a global leader in research and academics and public service,” Reilly said.

Reilly added in the meeting that Milliken has championed efforts to increase access to higher education, including by doubling graduation rates for low-income students of color during his time at CUNY. She added that Milliken is committed to building dialogue with students, faculty, staff and alumni.

The regents approved the appointment, with one abstention from Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, who sits on the board in an ex officio capacity.

Milliken will succeed current President Michael Drake, who has served in the position for five years. Reilly also thanked Drake for his five years of service at the UC.

“You have given five years of leadership at UC, but you have given decades of service to higher education,” she said. “You have led this institution through times of great challenge and change, always with thoughtfulness, dignity and a deep commitment to the values and the principles of UC’s mission.”

Milliken will enter the role amid budgetary challenges, including proposed funding cuts to grants allocated by the UC’s biggest funder of research – the National Institutes of Health – and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which would currently cut hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to the UC. Drake announced that the University would freeze hiring in response to the cuts March 19.

[Related: UC implements systemwide hiring freeze following federal, state threats to budget]

Milliken said in the meeting that he believes the UC must address challenges – including funding cuts – head on. 

“We know that higher education faces challenges and changes,” he said. “What will not change is the University of California’s historic mission, – teaching, research, healthcare and public service.”