In a wide-ranging, hourlong YouTube conversation with University of California President James B. Milliken, Chancellor Julio Frenk reflected on the personal history that shaped his leadership, the challenges facing higher education and his vision for UCLA’s future at a moment of rapid changes — and opportunities.

The May 22 discussion touched on everything from the Los Angeles fires, artificial intelligence and federal research funding to the campus’s One UCLA strategic plan for strengthening connection, innovation and public trust across the university and beyond.

Below are a few highlights from the conversation.

The role of universities
“Universities are among the most enduring institutions in the world,” Frenk said. “But the decisions we make today will determine how we come out on the other side of this transition.” He described contingency planning, diversification of research funding, technological innovation and strengthening public trust as central to UCLA’s future.

Artificial intelligence
“I see universities playing three crucial roles when it comes to AI,” Frenk said. “First, much of the foundational research behind AI happened in universities. Second, we educate the workforce of the future. Third, we ourselves are users of AI.” But he cautioned against overreliance on opaque technologies. “I prefer a model that is more collaborative — enhanced intelligence, augmented intelligence. We need to make sure AI becomes a force for good.”

Combating antisemitism and hate
“That challenge has absolutely defined my tenure,” Frenk said. “The loud-and-clear message I received before arriving was that UCLA needed to bring the community back together.” He emphasized that efforts to combat antisemitism are part of a broader commitment to opposing all forms of hatred and discrimination. “Once we allow bigotry and discrimination against one group, everyone is at risk.”

UCLA for Life
Frenk discussed lifelong learning and the campus's UCLA for Life vision. “The old model — learn, work, retire — is gone,” he said. “We are moving into a multistage life where people will need to reskill and reinvent themselves continuously.” UCLA, he said, should increasingly function as a lifelong educational partner. “We should think of universities as open systems — providers of dynamic educational services that accompany people throughout their lives.”

Favorite book, film and music
Book: “One Hundred Years of Solitude”; movie: “Casablanca”; opera: “The Marriage of Figaro.”