Milliken is recognized for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to advancing public education, particularly in service of diverse communities.

He emphasized the need to address public perceptions of higher education and potential funding cuts while adapting to technological advancements, including AI.

At 68 years old, Milliken is married with three adult children and has expressed excitement about leading the UC system.

During his tenure at the University of Texas, he implemented initiatives to cover tuition for eligible students from families earning under $100,000 and oversaw record enrollment and significant research funding.

James B. Milliken has been appointed as the next president of the University of California, a decision made by the UC Board of Regents during a meeting in San Francisco.

Regent José Hernández urged Milliken to prioritize students in decision-making amid upcoming budget cuts due to state budget losses.

The selection process for Milliken involved extensive input from a diverse range of stakeholders within the UC community, emphasizing the importance of equity and access in education.

The Regents of the UC unanimously approved Milliken's appointment, with one abstention from Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, marking a significant leadership change.

A seasoned leader in higher education, Milliken previously served as chancellor of the University of Texas system, The City University of New York, and the University of Nebraska.

Milliken's appointment occurs amid increased scrutiny of university policies, particularly regarding race and history education, as evidenced by new legislation passed by the Texas state legislature.

The UC system is facing significant financial challenges, including an 8% budget cut proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom and ongoing lawsuits regarding funding cuts and admissions processes.

These challenges come during a period of anticipated funding cuts from the Trump administration, particularly affecting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.