Rich Lyons

Supporting Our Community and Next Steps on Naming Review regarding Cesar Chavez Student Center

March 19, 2026

Dear Campus Community,

As you have likely seen, recent reports detailed serious and troubling allegations of sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez. You may have also seen Dolores Huerta’s statement as a survivor and the state of California’s move to...

Our Campus Strategic Plan: help shape Berkeley’s next chapter

March 10, 2026

Dear campus community,

Last fall, we launched a strategic planning process to define Berkeley's vision for the future and chart the path to our next era of excellence. Today, I want to update you on where we are and invite you to help shape what comes next.

A Three-Part Approach to Building our Strategy

Over recent months, we held listening sessions with faculty, academic and administrative leaders, students, alumni, our Board of Visitors, and our Board of Trustees. What emerged is a three-part approach:

First, we're addressing...

Our commitment to UC Berkeley’s values and mission

February 28, 2025

The above video and following message were sent to the UC Berkeley community by Chancellor Rich Lyons on Friday, Feb. 28.

Dear campus community,

Each day brings news of planned and immediate changes in federal policies and funding that could impact our university. This has created concern, confusion and trepidation across our campus community.

Please watch this video where I share my resolve that UC Berkeley will stand firm in our mission to provide long-term societal benefit through excellent research, teaching and public service. Please also visit our...

Chancellor Lyons first All-Staff forum

January 13, 2025

All-Staff Forum with The Chancellor - January 2025

Read & Watch: Chancellor Lyons' opening statement to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce

July 15, 2025

On Tuesday, July 15, UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons will testify before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce in a hearing regarding antisemitism in higher education. Read his full opening statement to the committee. You can watch the Chancellor's opening statement on YouTube here.

Good morning Chairman Walberg, Ranking Member Scott, and members of the Committee. I’m Rich Lyons and I just completed my first year as Chancellor of UC Berkeley. Thank you for inviting me to discuss...