University of California President Michael V. Drake has announced he will step down at the end of the upcoming academic year, concluding a five-year term marked by significant challenges and achievements. Drake, the first Black president of UC, has navigated the system through numerous hurdles including the Covid-19 pandemic, enrollment growth, labor disputes, and campus protests.

Key Points from Drake's Tenure:

- Pandemic Response:

Drake's presidency began during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. He played a crucial role in transitioning UC campuses to remote learning and later orchestrating the safe return of students to in-person instruction.

- Enrollment Growth:

Under his leadership, UC has made notable progress in increasing the enrollment of California residents. The UC system's freshman class for fall 2023 included 42,058 Californians, marking a significant year-over-year increase. For fall 2024, UC admitted a record 93,290 California first-year students, a 4.3% increase from the previous year.

- Labor Relations:

Drake's tenure included a major labor strike in 2022, involving 48,000 UC academic workers. The strike, the largest in higher education history, led to an agreement that improved wages and benefits for the workers. However, tensions continued, resulting in another strike authorization amid pro-Palestinian protests in the spring of 2023. These protests and related issues with worker rights led to further unrest on several UC campuses.

- Protests and Controversies:

The spring 2023 protests at UC campuses demanded divestment from companies linked to Israel, leading to clashes with campus administration and law enforcement. The protests also led to concerns about retaliation against workers and have been a point of contention in Drake’s final year.

Future Plans and Legacy:

In his resignation letter, Drake emphasized his commitment to continuing work on several fronts during his final year. His priorities include:

- Expanding Student Support:

Initiatives to support students and create pathways to a debt-free UC education.

- Promoting Academic Excellence:

Building on the UC system's academic and research strengths.

- Fostering Community:

Ensuring a safe and respectful environment that encourages a free exchange of ideas.

Search for Successor:

Janet Reilly, chair of the UC Board of Regents, will soon lead a national search for Drake’s successor. The new president will inherit the ongoing projects and challenges faced by the UC system and will be tasked with continuing its growth and addressing its complex issues.

Drake’s leadership has been characterized by efforts to enhance access and equity within the UC system, despite facing significant external and internal challenges. His final year will be focused on solidifying his legacy and addressing the pressing issues that remain.