Michael V. Drake, M.D.

Michael V. Drake, M.D.
Name	Michael V. Drake
Birth date	9 July 1950
Birth place	New York City, New York, U.S.
Alma mater	Stanford University (BA), University of California, San Francisco (MD)
Occupation	Physician, academic administrator
Title	16th President of the University of California, 15th President of The Ohio State University
Spouse	Brenda Drake

Michael V. Drake, M.D. is an American physician and academic administrator who has led two of the nation's largest and most prominent public university systems. He served as the 15th president of The Ohio State University and was subsequently appointed as the 16th president of the University of California system, becoming the first African American to hold that position. His career is distinguished by a deep commitment to academic medicine, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and expanding access to higher education.

Early life and education

Born in New York City and raised in Sacramento, Drake's early life was shaped by the Civil Rights Movement and the educational opportunities in California. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Stanford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry and was actively involved in student leadership. He then attended the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, graduating with his Doctor of Medicine degree. Following medical school, he completed his ophthalmology residency at UCSF and a fellowship at the University of California, San Diego.

Academic career

Drake began his academic career as a faculty member at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, where he specialized in ophthalmology and conducted research on glaucoma and health disparities. His administrative talents were quickly recognized, leading to his appointment as the Steven P. Shearing Professor and later as the vice chancellor for Health Affairs at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). At UCI, he oversaw the campus's health sciences programs, including the College of Health Sciences and the UC Irvine Medical Center, significantly expanding its clinical and research footprint.

University of California leadership

In 2005, Drake was appointed as the chancellor of the University of California, Irvine, a role he held for nine years. His tenure was marked by substantial growth, including the establishment of the UC Irvine School of Law and a major expansion of the University of California, Irvine Health system. He also championed initiatives to increase student diversity and community engagement, solidifying UCI's reputation as a top-tier AAU institution. His system-wide influence grew through service on the University of California Board of Regents and various National Institutes of Health advisory committees.

Ohio State University presidency

In 2014, Drake was selected as the 15th president of The Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the United States. His presidency focused on enhancing student success, advancing the university's research enterprise, and strengthening its land-grant mission. Key initiatives included the Time and Change strategic plan, a historic expansion of the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and a record-breaking fundraising campaign. He also navigated complex issues such as campus safety and freedom of speech, while maintaining the university's standing in the Big Ten Conference.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Drake has received numerous accolades for his leadership and contributions to medicine and education. These include the Champion of Health Award from the National Institutes of Health, the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of California, San Francisco, and honorary degrees from institutions like Cleveland State University. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has served on the boards of the Association of American Universities and the American Council on Education.

Personal life

Drake is married to Brenda Drake, a former teacher and community volunteer who has been actively involved in literacy and family resource center initiatives at each university they have served. They have two adult children. An avid fan of college sports, particularly Ohio State Buckeyes football, Drake is also known for his personal interests in jazz music and American history. He maintains close ties to his professional roots in ophthalmology and continues to advocate for public health and educational access at the national level.

Category:American ophthalmologists Category:University of California presidents Category:Ohio State University people Category:Stanford University alumni Category:University of California, San Francisco alumni