President Napolitano’s Leadership Elevated the University of California

The Bay Area Council today (Sept. 18) issued the following statement on University of California President Janet Napolitano’s announcement that she plans to step down in August 2020 after six years at the helm of the world’s premier public institution of higher education and research. Bay Area Council CEO Jim Wunderman serves on President Napolitano’s Business Executive Council.

“President Napolitano’s groundbreaking leadership has elevated the University of California to greater heights,” said Jim Wunderman, President and CEO of the Bay Area Council. “The University of California is the fountainhead of California’s world-leading innovation economy and President Napolitano’s focus on expanding enrollment, increasing diversity, strengthening its tradition of scientific research and deepening connections with the business community will pay major dividends for the state for decades to come. Her departure is a huge loss for UC and California, but both are stronger and better positioned for the future than when we she arrived.”