Dear UC Merced faculty and staff,
As summer winds down and autumn draws near, I continue to be inspired by the many ways UC Merced is advancing our mission—through research, partnerships, student success, and community engagement. While we are nearly a month into a new academic year, the past several weeks have provided meaningful opportunities to represent our campus on the regional, national, and international stage.
Advancing Innovation and Competitiveness
Earlier this week at the UC Board of Regents meeting in Los Angeles, Dr. Shijia Pan represented UC Merced as a nominee at the first-ever Regents Innovation Awards Ceremony. Dr. Pan joined a stellar group of nominees from across the UC system and national labs in the category for Disruptive Research for her work on Ambient and Interactive Care (AI-Care) for Unobtrusive In-Home Monitoring. The Regents Innovation Awards, introduced by the Board of Regents as part of its efforts to support research innovation and entrepreneurship, will provide opportunities for faculty researchers to highlight their groundbreaking research and gain visibility with colleagues and potential external partners. Please join me in recognizing Dr. Pan for her outstanding work.
Over the summer, I had the opportunity to attend the Council on Competitiveness' Conversations Across America at UC San Diego as one of the Council's newest members. The gathering brought together leaders from higher education, industry, and government to explore how research universities can strengthen America's innovation ecosystem, economic competitiveness, and workforce. I was honored to represent UC Merced in these important conversations and look forward to contributing to the Council's work in the months ahead.
Celebrating Community Partnerships
Closer to home, I was pleased to join community leaders for the grand reopening of the Applegate Zoo, including the unveiling of its newly renovated bobcat habitat. As Bobcats ourselves, it was a fitting reminder of the special connection between UC Merced and our
community, and I appreciate the many partners who invested in creating an enhanced experience for visitors while supporting wildlife education and conservation.
Just this past weekend, several of our colleagues, representing both the faculty and the administration, participated in the 2026 Merced Lao Boat Racing Festival. The Office of the Chancellor and Division of Equity, Justice, and Inclusive Excellence co-sponsored this cultural event which draws thousands from across the region to celebrate the traditions of one of the communities that make Merced such a special place. It is an important part of our public service mission to not only support but also show up and participate in these types of events.
Strengthening International Collaboration
I also traveled to Mexico City to participate in the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) Commission on International Initiatives. During the meeting, I joined fellow university presidents and chancellors for a panel discussion on expanding collaboration between higher education institutions in the United States and Mexico. These partnerships create opportunities for student success, research, innovation, and economic development, while reinforcing the importance of international engagement in addressing the complex challenges facing our communities and the world.
A Historic Milestone for Bobcat Athletics
One of the most exciting moments of the past few weeks was celebrating the official confirmation of UC Merced Athletics as a full NCAA Division II member. I was proud to host all our head coaches for a dinner to recognize their commitment that helped make this milestone possible. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Bobcat Athletics. I know our new and returning student-athletes will continue to represent UC Merced with excellence—in competition, in the classroom, and in our community.
Looking Ahead
After just a few short weeks, our campus is once again filled with the energy and excitement that comes with the start of a new academic year. I look forward to seeing many of you at the numerous events planned throughout the coming weeks or perhaps just grabbing lunch in the Pav. Thank you for everything you do to support our mission of teaching, research, and public service. Together, we will continue creating an environment where our students can thrive and where UC Merced's impact continues to grow.
Fiat Lux,
Juan Sánchez Muñoz, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Photo captions:
Top Right: (left to right) Former Governor Gray Davis, Dr. Shijia Pan, Asst. Vice Chancellor for the Office of Technology, Innovation, and Industry Relations Charity Follett, Chancellor Munoz, UC Regent Rusty Areias, and UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk
Top Left: Chancellor Muñoz attends the Council on Competitiveness' Conversations Across America at UC San Diego as one of the Council's newest members.
Middle Right: UC Merced faculty and staff participated in the 2026 Merced Lao Boat Racing Festival.
Middle Left: Chancellor Muñoz and other university presidents and chancellors in attendance at the APLU Commission on International Initiatives meeting in Mexico City.
Bottom Right: Chancellor Muñoz with UC Merced Athletics coaches at the head coaches dinner.
