Senate Leader Atkins Welcomes Newly Appointed UC President Drake, Thanks Napolitano for Service
SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement on the changing of University of California presidents:
“The University of California has long been a remarkable institution of higher learning and opened pathways for millions of Californians, who now help lead us as the fifth largest economy in the world.
"I would like to extend congratulations and a warm welcome to Dr. Michael Drake on his appointment to serve as the UC’s next president. With roots in the UC system, medicine, and academic achievement on a national scale, Dr. Drake brings a distinguished lens, leadership, and expertise to the UC system that is a perfect fit for this next chapter in the UC’s history. I look forward to working with Dr. Drake and the Regents to improve access and equity within the University of California, and ensure that future generations of California’s students can continue to obtain the quality higher education that they deserve. Thank you to Board of Regents Chair John A. Pérez for his leadership in guiding the UC through the presidential selection process, and to the Regents for their dedication to this endeavor.
"Sincere thanks to UC President Janet Napolitano for her leadership – since taking the helm in 2013, she navigated the university through a host of challenges and made strides to improve the UC system, from taking actions to make campuses more carbon neutral and overhauling sexual harassment response to enhancing protections and expanding financial aid for undocumented students. I wish her all the best, and thank her for her service to us all.”
###
Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins