The University of California, Los Angeles announced Wednesday that Julio Frenk would take over as dean of the school.
Frenk, former president of the University of Miami, will succeed Gene Block, who is retiring after 17 years of service.
“At this crucial time for higher education, returning to the public sector to lead one of the best research universities in the world – including one of the top 10 academic health systems – is an excellent opportunity and a great honor for me,” said the Chancellor. -designate Frenk.
Frenk also previously served as dean of the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and as Mexico’s national health secretary.
His new term comes at a time when the UCLA campus is experiencing turmoil due to pro-Palestinian protests.
The campus saw some of the most violent scenes during the school year, when counter-protesters attacked pro-Palestinian activists in May and hundreds of people were arrested at the school.
And activists haven’t ended their demonstrations just because it’s summer, with more than two dozen arrests this week after pro-Palestine protesters tried to set up camps on campus.
“I look forward to adding my lifelong commitment to public service in education and healthcare to the vibrant, diverse and cosmopolitan community that is Los Angeles,” said Frenk.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story