Julio Frenk, a renowned public health expert and the current president of the University of Miami, has been appointed as the next chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). With this appointment, Frenk will become the first Latino to lead UCLA, a university where a significant portion of the student body is Hispanic. Frenk, who was born and raised in Mexico, has an impressive background in public health, having served as Mexico’s secretary of health under President Vicente Fox and in leadership roles at organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Health Organization. He has also been vocal about his commitment to diversity and inclusion, citing his own family’s experience as refugees from Nazi persecution.
Throughout his career, Frenk has been a strong advocate for reforming public health systems and expanding access to healthcare and family planning. He has also emphasized the importance of diversity in institutions of higher learning, believing that strength comes from embracing a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Frenk’s appointment as chancellor of UCLA is seen as a significant milestone not only for the university but also for the Latino community. His experience and leadership skills have garnered widespread respect in academia, and he is viewed as a thoughtful and capable leader.
As Frenk prepares to take on his new role at UCLA, he has taken a sabbatical from the University of Miami, where he has been serving as president since 2015. During his absence, the university has appointed Joe Echevarria, who is also Hispanic, as acting president. Frenk is set to officially assume his duties at UCLA in January, succeeding the current chancellor, Gene Block. In the meantime, Darnell Hunt, executive vice chancellor and provost of UCLA, will serve as interim chancellor after Block steps down in July.
Frenk’s appointment comes at a challenging time for UCLA, which has faced recent controversies and protests on campus. In May, protests over the Israel-Hamas war escalated into violence, leading to a significant number of arrests. Just this week, police were called to disband another encampment on campus, resulting in more arrests. Frenk’s experience in navigating complex issues and his commitment to dialogue and inclusion could prove valuable as he steps into his new role at UCLA. Additionally, his background as a boundary spanner and bridge builder could help foster a sense of community and collaboration within the university.
Overall, Julio Frenk’s appointment as the next chancellor of UCLA represents an important moment for the university and for the broader academic community. As the first Latino to lead UCLA, Frenk brings a wealth of experience in public health, leadership, and diversity to his new role. His commitment to inclusive decision-making and his ability to navigate challenges with a thoughtful and strategic approach make him a promising choice to guide UCLA through its current issues and towards a future of excellence and inclusivity.
