The University of California, Los Angeles announced Wednesday that Julio Frenk will become the school’s president.
Frenk, a former president of the University of Miami, will succeed Gene Block, who is retiring after 17 years in the position.
“At this critical time for higher education, it is an exciting opportunity and a great honor for me to return to the public sector to lead one of the world’s leading research universities and one of the 10 largest academic health systems in the world,” said President-elect Frenk.
Frenk previously served as dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and as Mexico’s national health secretary.
His new term begins at a time when pro-Palestinian demonstrations have disrupted UCLA’s campus.
Campuses saw some of the most violent scenes so far this academic year, with protesters attacking pro-Palestinian activists in May and hundreds of people being arrested at schools.
Activists have not stopped demonstrating just because it’s summer, with more than 20 people arrested this week after pro-Palestinian protesters tried to set up an encampment on campus.
“I look forward to adding my lifelong commitment to public service in education and health care to the vibrant, diverse and international community that is Los Angeles,” Frenk said.
