I recently sat down with @UCLAchancellor Julio Frenk for a wide-ranging conversation: navigating a turbulent year for @UCLA, the future of higher ed as a lifelong model, AI, the 2028 Summer Games in LA, and the family story that shaped his leadership.
Since its founding in 1868, the University of California has matched our nation’s revolutionary spirit. With boundless curiosity and educational opportunities, UC fuels the research and discoveries that make life better for all Americans.
Learn more about how UC serves California, and America and get involved: https://t.co/jox1Vj1WdY
Saturday, on a beautiful day at Memorial Stadium, I had the honor of participating in @UCBerkeley’s spring commencement. I met some incredible students and alumni and shared some reflections after @RBReich's great keynote.
UC President James B. Milliken recently visited @UCMerced and witnessed its remarkable trajectory firsthand.
Read his postcard from UC Merced here: https://t.co/ImDQ63NiqR
Video description: UC President Milliken speaks to the camera from the UC Merced campus.
Another highlight of the week: meeting with Vice Chancellors from @UofCalifornia campuses who work every day to expand educational access, retention, and completion for students of all backgrounds from across the state. UC is a public good that should benefit everyone. As we build confidence in higher education, we have to remember that.
What makes UC special is all the ways our students, faculty, and alumni make a difference. Last week, we focused on scientific and medical research. This week, it’s journalism, as four @UofCalifornia alums from @ucbsoj and @ucsantabarbara take home @PulitzerPrizes. Congrats to them on their extraordinary achievements.
University of California President James B. Milliken today (May 14) issued the following statement on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2026-27 revised budget proposal (🧵1/3)
Last week, President James B. Milliken joined state Senator Scott Wiener, UAW President Shawn Fain, and hundreds of supporters at the State Capitol for the Rally for California Science to support #SB895.
Tell your legislators to invest in California by investing in UC. Yes on #SB895 ✅ https://t.co/E5LdhqHp7P
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Video description: UC President James B. Milliken addresses a crowd from a podium. Large gathering of people cheering and holding signs reading "Save Science. Save Lives."
@BerkeleyLab has always attracted people who believe that science can improve the world and who show up every day to prove it.
I look forward to all that lies ahead for this remarkable community with Dr. Kathy Yelick at the helm.
“I am honored to serve as director of Berkeley Lab, an institution that has long stood at the forefront of scientific discovery and innovation.” – Kathy Yelick
@UofCalifornia@ENERGY https://t.co/gkPBTSOsCy
I’m proud that @UofCalifornia is a co-sponsor of Sen. @Scott_Wiener's bill. This bond measure invests in research that supports tens of thousands of good, local jobs; propels our state’s global leadership in innovation; and delivers life-changing and life-saving medical advancements for people everywhere.
Let’s continue to deliver for California’s economy and workers, for our patients and families, and for every person in this state.
Yesterday, @ucprez Milliken joined state Senator Scott Wiener, @UAW President Shawn Fain at the State Capitol for the Rally for California Science (🧵1/3)
Other exciting news: Fifty UC researchers were recently named fellows of the @aaas — more than any other university in the country. Their work spans every scientific field, from quantum computing and neuroscience to chemistry, engineering, and astrophysics, across all ten of our campuses. More great evidence of @UofCalifornia leadership in science.
This is terrific! @americanacad honors are peer recognitions, making them among the most meaningful measures of faculty excellence. They're also a reminder of what UC's faculty represent: distinguished, innovative, and impactful work for the public good. Congratulations to all of them!
25 UC-affiliated scholars and many more alumni are among the @americanacad 2026 class of new members recognized for leadership in academia, the arts, industry, journalism, philanthropy, policy, research and science.
Had a wonderful visit this week to @ucmerced. The campus is on the cutting edge of higher ed. Students and faculty are leading the way to create a more accessible, relevant, and rigorous learning experience. We have a lot to learn from them. I'll be sharing more about my visit on my Substack, The Gold and the Blue, Volume 22, soon.
Congratulations to all the students admitted to the University of California for Fall 2026! UC received a record number of applications this year – again – so you should be especially proud of this achievement. For first-year students, remember to submit your intent to register by this Friday, May 1.
We look forward to seeing you on campus soon.
I had a great conversation last week with @UCIrvine Chancellor Howard Gillman and @BerkeleyLaw Dean Erwin Chemerinsky on free speech and academic freedom. You can watch our full conversation on my Substack.