There has been no report of the current University of Miami president collapsing, but significant leadership changes have occurred recently. Julio Frenk, who had served as the university’s president since 2015, stepped down from his position on September 2, 2024. He is transitioning to a new role as chancellor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), effective January 2025. During his tenure at Miami, Frenk was known for guiding the university through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, launching a $2.5 billion fundraising campaign, and working to elevate the university’s global reputation, particularly in the western hemisphere [[❞]](https://themiamihurricane.com/2024/06/12/julio-frenk-steps-down-ceo-of-um-to-become-acting-president/) [[❞]](https://president.miami.edu/about/index.html).
Following Frenk’s departure, Joe Echevarria, CEO of the University of Miami Health System (UHealth) and a seasoned executive with prior leadership experience at Deloitte, was appointed as the acting president by the university’s Board of Trustees. Echevarria has a long-standing connection to the university, having earned his business administration degree there and serving in various administrative roles. His leadership is expected to guide the university during this transitional period as the search for a permanent president continues [[❞]](https://themiamihurricane.com/2024/06/12/julio-frenk-steps-down-ceo-of-um-to-become-acting-president/) [[❞]](https://president.miami.edu/about/index.html).
Frenk’s decision to leave for UCLA reportedly came as a surprise to many in the university community, as strict confidentiality protocols governed the announcement. His upcoming role at UCLA represents a significant change in his career as he prepares to lead one of the most prestigious universities in the United States [[❞]](https://themiamihurricane.com/2024/06/12/julio-frenk-steps-down-ceo-of-um-to-become-acting-president/) [[❞]](https://president.miami.edu/about/index.html).
