A message from UC President James B. Milliken: Marking 100 days together

Dear colleagues and friends,

November 8th marked 100 days since I joined the University of California. Every day since then has been a mix of challenges, new experiences and inspiring moments with some of UC's - and our nation's - most impressive faculty, students and staff. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on a singular period for our university and what the future may hold.

I started in August as hundreds of millions of dollars in research funding had been suspended from UCLA and each of our campuses and the system were the subject of investigations from the current administration in Washington. We have faced historic uncertainty and been involved in difficult conversations about the future of public higher education. Yet in every part of UC, I have seen people show up for one another and for California. The strength of UC is its people, and that has never been clearer.

I've met researchers who are driving discovery, first-gen students building new futures for their families, and staff who keep our institutions running every day. I've met with faculty, alumni, elected officials, and many other friends of the university. These interactions highlight what defines UC: academic excellence, access and opportunity, and a commitment to serving the public good. My conversations with our community are helping shape my understanding of this institution and our collective vision for its future.

UC's priorities have always been guided by our values, and they will continue to be so guided. We will endeavor to ensure that UC remains a world leader in education and research and service. We will maintain our focus on providing the highest quality health care to an increasing number of Californians. And we will protect affordability and expand access so that students from every background can learn here and succeed.

UC is one of the world's greatest engines of social and economic mobility - but sustaining that legacy is not a certainty. We need to understand how we got to the place today where so many question the value of higher education, what UC means for the state and the world, and how we can continue to fulfill our mission in the face of significant headwinds and pressures, some of which are beyond our control.

In the months ahead, I look forward to visiting more UC campuses, academic health centers, and our affiliated national labs - and meeting as many of you as possible. I hope to hear more about your triumphs and your challenges, and to share a bit about how I think the University of California can continue to meet the moment we're in. In the meantime, I'll be launching a new Substack, a place where I can help keep you informed about the issues and good work happening across our university. (Rest assured I will have help doing this!)

As I turn to my next 100 days with UC, I want to share a simple message: Thank you for all that you do in helping to build and sustain a university like no other. Each day, our students, faculty and staff embody the mission we are meant to pursue: creating new knowledge, engaging with a new generation of learners, and generating discoveries that change the world - for the benefit of everyone, everywhere. It's a mission we should all be proud of, and I'm excited to keep pushing it forward - with you.

Fiat Lux,
James B. Milliken
President

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