What’s in store for higher education and healthcare in America, and who is responsible for upholding and advancing these twin pillars of our society?

These questions lie at the heart of physician and educator Dr. Michael V. Drake’s life’s work.

As a physician and as University of California president, Dr. Drake dedicated years of leadership to expanding access, fostering inclusion and strengthening democracy within the university and beyond.

To reflect on the challenges of leadership in divided times, the moral responsibilities of public institutions and the role of universities in shaping a more equitable society, Dr. Drake will take the stage at UC Santa Barbara’s Campbell Hall, in conversation with Professor Susannah Scott, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22.

The free, public event is part of UCSB Arts & Lectures’ Justice For All programming initiative, which amplifies voices working at the intersection of equality, leadership, and social justice.

Scott, UCSB’s 2025-26 Academic Senate vice chair and a leading researcher in sustainable chemistry, will join Drake following his opening remarks.

Their dialogue will offer insight into how virtuous leadership can translate to lasting structural change.

On Friday, Jan. 23, Dr. Drake will extend the conversation, meeting with UCSB students in the health sciences and humanities for a Q&A focused on pathways into the medical field and health professions.

Students from Los Curanderos and the Health Humanities Initiative will convene with Drake to hear from him about careers in healthcare and medical research, the role of mentorship and the human stories behind medical practice.

The discussion will offer students an opportunity to engage directly with a leader whose career bridges clinical medicine, academic scholarship and public service at the highest level.