In a video salutation this week, Dr. Michael V. Drake launched the beginning of his much-anticipated tenure at the helm of the nation’s most prestigious public university system.

In a crisp blue suit, the new UC president addressed the challenges facing the UC system in terms of the pandemic and budget shortfalls, and announced the advent of his personal “looking and listening tour.”

“This is a challenging period for the world, for our nation, and for all of us at UC,” Drake said. “We must strive to be our best selves and hold on to our most important values.”

Drake, 69, who is a medical doctor, spent 40 years in the UC system before becoming president of The Ohio State University in 2014. His UC tenure included nine years as chancellor of UC Irvine, immediately preceding his time in Ohio.

“Excitement for Michael Drake is very high in the UC system and beyond,” said UCR Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox. “There is a strong feeling that this is the right person at the right time, given the challenges within the university system, and outside of it.”

Click here to watch Drake’s two-minute introductory video to the UC community.