Los Angeles, California – University of Miami President Julio Frenk, a distinguished global health expert originally from Mexico, has been selected to serve as the next chancellor of UCLA. In this historic decision, Frenk becomes the first Latino to lead the nation’s preeminent public research university. The University of California regents unanimously approved his appointment on Wednesday, amidst a backdrop of challenging protests on the UCLA campus.
Frenk, 70, brings a wealth of experience in public health, having served as Mexico’s former health minister and led successful fundraising efforts at both the University of Miami and Harvard University. His proven track record in overseeing complex healthcare systems and academic institutions will be crucial as he takes on the role of chancellor at UCLA, a campus with over 46,700 students and a comprehensive network of hospitals and clinics.
Following Chancellor Gene Block’s retirement on July 31 after a notable 17-year tenure marked by navigating financial crises and global pandemics, Frenk is set to assume leadership of UCLA in January 2025. Until then, Darnell Hunt, UCLA’s executive vice chancellor and provost, will step in as the interim chancellor. Frenk’s appointment was endorsed by UC President Michael V. Drake, with an annual base salary of $978,904 being agreed upon by the UC regents.
Addressing the challenges facing UCLA, including protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, labor disputes, and pandemic-related stress, Frenk will have the critical task of uniting a campus marked by division and acrimony. Faculty and students alike are hopeful that his background and personal experiences will enable him to foster a sense of community and trust among UCLA’s diverse population.
Frenk’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and tolerance is evident through his personal story as the son of a German Jewish father who fled Nazi Germany. He has emphasized the importance of embracing differing perspectives and opinions within a respectful and diverse environment. As UCLA grapples with issues surrounding campus safety, student activism, and academic workload, Frenk’s ability to address these challenges will be closely watched.
The transition from leading smaller private universities to overseeing a large public institution like UCLA will present its own set of unique challenges for Frenk. However, his background in global health, extensive academic credentials, and administrative experience position him as a capable leader for the university. Faculty leaders have stressed the importance of supporting graduate students and increasing resources to meet the demands of a growing student population.
As Frenk prepares to embark on this new chapter at UCLA, the campus community looks to him to provide leadership, vision, and a renewed sense of unity during a time of uncertainty and division. His appointment as chancellor represents a pivotal moment for UCLA and an opportunity to build on the university’s successes while addressing the pressing issues facing the institution and its students.