In a remarkable career that has spanned over half a century, Dr. Michael V. Drake has come to embody the very essence of modern academic leadership.
From his roots in clinical medicine to the presidencies of two of America’s largest and most prominent public university systems, his journey is a testament to a profound and consistent belief: that higher education must be a powerful, accessible instrument for social mobility and equity.
From Clinic to Chancellorship
Dr. Drake’s academic foundation is firmly in science and medicine. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of California, San Francisco.
He then dedicated more than two decades to the faculty of the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, rising to become the Steven P. Shearing Professor of Ophthalmology.
His transition into senior administration began with a five-year term as the University of California system’s Vice President for Health Affairs. This unique blend of deep academic medical expertise and systemic administrative insight prepared him for his first major executive role. In 2005, he was appointed as the fifth Chancellor of the University of California, Irvine.
At Irvine, his impact was transformative. He oversaw the establishment of new schools of law and education, as well as programmes in public health, nursing and pharmacy. Under his leadership, the university’s four-year graduation rate increased by more than 18 percent, and it rose to join the top tier of American public universities.
Notably, it was also ranked number one in the United States for advancing social mobility—a metric and mission that would become a hallmark of his leadership philosophy.
A Tenure Tempered by Challenge
In June 2014, Dr. Drake embarked on a new chapter as the 15th President of The Ohio State University. He arrived with a clear focus on access and affordability. He led the establishment of the Ohio State Tuition Guarantee, which froze tuition and fees for four years for incoming in-state students.
He also launched the Buckeye Opportunity Programme, ensuring that Pell Grant-eligible Ohio students had their full tuition and mandatory fees covered. By the end of his tenure, the university had generated $1.3 billion through operational efficiencies to support these affordability initiatives.
His leadership, however, was not without difficult decisions. In 2014, he dismissed the university’s marching band director following an investigation that found a “sexualized culture” within the band that was “inconsistent with the University’s values”. Dr. Drake stood by this consequential decision.
The Pinnacle Post: Leading California Through Crisis
In August 2020, Dr. Drake made history by becoming the 21st president of the University of California system—the first Black leader to hold the position in its 152-year history. His tenure began at one of the most challenging moments for modern education: the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He immediately instituted system-wide public health measures, including vaccine and mask mandates, which are credited with keeping infection rates across the university dramatically lower than in surrounding communities.
Beyond the public health emergency, he focused on stabilising the university’s future. He secured a historic five-year funding compact with the state of California, providing critical fiscal stability.
Dr. Drake also championed several pioneering equity initiatives:
· Debt-Free Pathways: He advanced the commitment to offer every undergraduate a pathway to a debt-free education.
· Native American Opportunity Plan: This plan ensures system-wide tuition and fees are fully covered for California students from federally recognised tribes.
· Policy on Gender Recognition: He led the development of a new policy acknowledging gender identities beyond the binary, promoting inclusion for all.
· Systemwide Office of Civil Rights: This was established to help ensure every member of the university community feels welcome, safe and respected.
The Man Behind the Title
What truly distinguishes Dr. Drake’s profile is the harmonious integration of his professional rigor with deep personal passions. An avid music lover whose first job was at Tower Records, he plays guitar and even teaches an undergraduate course on the music of the civil rights movement. This passion led to a seat on the Board of Directors of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
He is married to Brenda Drake, an attorney and Stanford alumna who has served on numerous boards focused on education, civil rights and the arts. Together, they have two adult sons and four grandchildren.
Dr. Drake’s national influence is reflected in his service as chair of the boards of the Association of American Universities, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Board of Governors. He is an elected member of both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine.
As he prepares to conclude his term as President of the University of California in 2025 and return to the faculty, his legacy is clear. Dr. Michael V. Drake has conducted his long career in higher education like a complex symphony—balancing the rigorous demands of academic excellence and fiscal responsibility with a heartfelt, unwavering melody of access, equity and social justice for all.
