Homeland Security Chief Janet Napolitano nominated to be next UC president

The UC Regents today announced the nomination of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to be the next president of the University of California. I spoke with Napolitano this morning and look forward to working with our new president, whose nomination will be voted on by the full Board of Regents on July 18.

I am confident that, under Napolitano's leadership, UC will remain the preeminent public research university in the world. She is uniquely positioned to build support for the university, and it's my firm hope that our elected representatives will renew their commitment to the current and future students of this state. Additionally, I look forward to Napolitano's emergence nationally as an advocate both for students and for the research conducted at public universities in general, and at the University of California, in particular.

With her appointment, Napolitano will become the first woman to lead the UC system. Throughout her career, which includes serving as governor of Arizona from 2003 to 2009, she has advocated for public education, university research, and educational opportunities for undocumented immigrants, all of which align with UC Santa Cruz's values. I have invited her to visit our campus as soon as her schedule allows, as I am eager to share our story of excellence and innovation with her. I feel confident our campus will thrive under her leadership.

I encourage you to read more about today's news in the press release issued this morning by the Office of the President.