Julie A. Lucas has been appointed as the next vice chancellor for University Development and Alumni Relations at the University of California, Berkeley. This announcement was made by campus leaders on July 17, 2025.
Lucas brings nearly three decades of experience in higher education advancement to UC Berkeley. Previously, she served as vice president of resource development at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she directed fundraising efforts and led a $6.24 billion campaign aimed at enhancing MIT’s educational and research capabilities.
Explaining her decision to join UC Berkeley, Lucas highlighted the university’s mission in teaching, research, and public service. She expressed her commitment to creating an inspiring vision and building inclusive communities that align with the university’s goals.
Before her tenure at MIT, Lucas held senior roles at the University of Southern California, New York University, and Fordham University. Her work included launching new fundraising campaigns that provided scholarship opportunities and supported infrastructure development.
The appointment was approved by the UC Regents, with Lucas set to begin her role on September 8. Chancellor Rich Lyons commented on Lucas’s dedication to improving global outcomes through successful campaigns: “Julie’s commitment to both bettering our world and driving successful campaigns is clear from her track record at MIT and elsewhere.”
Lucas’s educational background includes a degree in political science and Spanish from McDaniel College in Maryland, followed by a master’s degree in educational administration from Hofstra University. Her career path in higher education began soon after completing her studies.
During her time at Fordham Law School, Lucas led a significant fundraising campaign coinciding with its centennial celebration. At MIT, she spearheaded the “MIT Campaign for a Better World,” which involved contributions from over 112,000 donors.
Lucas emphasizes the importance of engaging alumni amid evolving funding landscapes for higher education. She also stresses the need for unrestricted contributions to support research and teaching initiatives.
Beyond her professional life, Lucas is active in community volunteering and enjoys various adventures worldwide. She succeeds Julie Hooper as vice chancellor following Hooper’s decade-long leadership that included overseeing UC Berkeley’s $7.37 billion Light the Way campaign.
Lucas expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with members of the Berkeley community: “I look forward to working with everyone across the Berkeley community,” she said, “and helping the university continue to positively change and enrich lives.”
