University of California secures leader of Texas state college system as next president

The University of California (UC) Board of Regents on Friday approved University of Texas Chancellor James Milliken as the UC's next president, which comes as the school system prepares for funding cuts from the Trump administration.

Milliken, who has served as chancellor in Texas since 2018, has spent more than three decades in higher education. He previously led the City University of New York and University of Nebraska, and was senior vice president at the University of North Carolina.

The move comes as the Trump administration slashes federal funding for schools over perceived antisemitism, or those that have funded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The UC system has not been impacted by the antisemitism cuts so far, but has been affected by the DEI cuts.

Regent board chair Janet Reilly said Milliken's leadership was just what the esteemed school system needed.

“He understands how critical UC’s contributions are to the state and the country, and he has decades of experience leading public institutions during times of unprecedented change in higher education,” Reilly said. “Chancellor Milliken is simply the right person for UC at just the right time.”

Milliken, who will start in his new job in August, is replacing outgoing President Michael Drake and will receive $1.5 million a year. 

“The University of California is universally regarded as the preeminent public research university in the world, and I am deeply honored to have an opportunity to join the many talented faculty, staff, and campus leaders in their vital work,” Milliken said in a statement. “It is more important than ever that we expand the education, research, health care, and public service for which UC is so widely admired and which has benefitted so many Californians.”

The University of Texas announced John Zerwas will replace Milliken as acting chancellor on June 1. Zerwas currently serves as executive vice chancellor for health affairs in the University of Texas school system.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.