UCLA chooses new chancellor amid campus turmoil over pro-Palestinian protests

The University of California, Los Angeles announced Wednesday that Julio Frenk would be taking over as the school’s chancellor.

Frenk, formerly the president of the University of Miami, will succeed Gene Block, who is retiring after 17 years of service.  

“At this crucial moment for higher education, returning to the public sector to lead one of the top research universities in the world — including one of the 10 largest academic health systems — is an exciting opportunity and a great honor for me,” said Chancellor-designate Frenk. 

Frenk previously also worked as the dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and as the national health secretary of Mexico. 

His new tenure comes as UCLA’s campus is a tumultuous moment from the pro-Palestinian protests.  

The campus saw some of the more violent scenes during the school year as counterprotesters attacked the pro-Palestinian activists in May and hundreds were arrested at the school.  

And the activists have not ended their demonstrations just because it is the summer, with more than two dozen arrested this week after the pro-Palestinian protesters tried to set up encampments on campus.  

“I look forward to adding my lifelong commitment to public service in education and health care to the vibrant, diverse and cosmopolitan community that is Los Angeles,” Frenk said.