Remarks and Writings

Safeguarding Our Research Mission Amid Federal Shifts

August 4, 2025
Dear Campus Community, As many of you are aware, the federal government has suspended a significant number of research grants to UCLA, citing ongoing investigations. While UC Merced is not the target of this action, we are not untouched. Four of our federally funded research projects currently receive subawards through UCLA, and this action... Read More

UC Merced Joins Prestigious List of Hispanic Serving Research Universities

July 29, 2025
Dear Colleagues, It is with great pride that we share the news that UC Merced has been formally welcomed into the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU) – a milestone that affirms our university’s growing national impact and our deepening commitment to research excellence and student success. This... Read More

Federal Update

May 9, 2025
Re: Federal Update To: All faculty and staff   Dear Campus Community,  Last week, I had the privilege of representing UC Merced in Washington, D.C. and, as board chair of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), to convene the 30th National Capitol Forum. This event brought together ... Read More

Federal Update

April 25, 2025
Dear Colleagues,   Last weekend, more than 5000 prospective students and their families visited campus for Bobcat Day. It was a tremendous show of campus spirit to see our staff, faculty, and students create a truly memorable experience for future Bobcats and their families. I want to again express my gratitude to the various divisions... Read More

Federal Update

April 11, 2025
  Dear Bobcat Community,   This continues to be an unpredictable time for higher education, but significant work is being done, both locally and systemwide, to protect and support our campuses.   Most notably, the University of California, along with the American Council on Education (ACE), Association of Public Land-... Read More

With Deepest Appreciation

February 18, 2025
  Dear Colleagues,   I am writing to you upon my return from Washington, D.C., where I had the privilege of advocating for the University of California and our Merced campus on Capitol Hill directly with members of the Senate and House and their staff. During my trip, I attended the annual meeting of the American Council on... Read More

Achieving Research Excellence as an R1 University

February 13, 2025
  Dear Campus Community,   It is with immense pride and excitement that I share a historic achievement. Earlier today UC Merced was officially designated an R1 University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This prestigious distinction places UC Merced among the nation’s top-tier research... Read More

Celebrating Black Excellence

February 3, 2025
Dear Campus Community,   February marks Black History Month, a time to reflect on the profound contributions of Black individuals throughout history and to recognize the struggles and triumphs that have shaped our society. At UC Merced, this month is also an opportunity to celebrate a rich heritage and a vibrant community—one that... Read More

Staying Informed and Focused Amid Uncertainty

January 31, 2025
Dear Campus Community,   The past few weeks have been busy, bringing both the normal start-of-semester activity and uncertainty associated with changing federal guidance coming from Washington, D.C.   Earlier this week, the University of California distributed a letter from President Drake addressing concerns triggered by an... Read More

Welcome to Spring Semester 2025

January 21, 2025
  Dear Campus Community, I wanted to take a moment to once more say happy new year and welcome you all back to the spring semester of 2025. Let me start by extending our thoughts to those affected by the recent Los Angeles fires, including members of our Bobcat community who lost homes or workplaces. Having grown up in Los Angeles,... Read More

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