UC Riverside Chancellor Kim Wilcox to Retire in 2025

UC Riverside Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox announced plans to retire in the summer of 2025 after nearly 12 years leading the university.

Wilcox, who has led the university for nearly 12 years, is the second-longest serving chancellor in UCR history, a university press release said. He will step down after the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year.

“While I take pride in our achievements, I am even prouder of the fact that we have upheld our core values,” Wilcox said in a statement.

During his time leading the university, Wilcox saw enrollment grow, the release said, and academic and research excellence improved. UCR grew to become one of the top research universities in the country, and Wilcox helped establish the university as a national leader in social mobility and student success.

“Under Chancellor Wilcox’s leadership, UC Riverside has reached the top ranks of research universities while also serving as a national leader for inclusive excellence and social mobility,” UCR President Michael Drake said in a statement. “Whether through its admission to the American Association of Universities, or the addition of a leading medical school to improve the health of Californians, the entire region has benefitted from the progress UCR has achieved during Chancellor Wilcox’s tenure. UC Riverside exemplifies what any university – and particularly a public university – should be: a home for academic and research excellence that values the belonging of its whole community.”