Michael V Drake was born on September 7, 1951, in New York City and was raised in New Jersey. He showed academic promise from a young age, excelling in his studies and becoming interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
Drake attended Stanford University for his undergraduate education, where he continued to demonstrate his dedication to his studies. After graduating from Stanford, he went on to attend the University of California-San Francisco for medical school.
Prior to becoming President of Ohio State University in 2014, Drake held various prestigious positions in the field of academia. He was a member of the ophthalmology faculty at the University of California-San Francisco and also served as Chancellor of the University of California-Irvine.
During his time at UCSF, Drake oversaw medical school admissions, ensuring that the next generation of medical professionals were selected based on their merit and qualifications.
Drake has been known for his advocacy work, particularly his stance against California Proposition 209, which mandated that state employers ignore gender and race when making hiring decisions. He was vocal in his opposition to this policy, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
After establishing his career in California, Drake settled in Sacramento, where he continues to reside with his family. He has balanced his professional responsibilities with his personal life, finding harmony in both aspects of his world.
In his role as President of Ohio State University, Drake has been compared to other influential leaders in academia, such as Janet Napolitano. Like Napolitano, who served as President of the University of California, Drake has brought his own unique perspective and leadership style to his position.
With a distinguished career in academia and a commitment to advocating for diversity and inclusion, Michael V Drake continues to make a positive impact in the field of education and beyond.