Jack Hu, a native of China and the third person of color to lead UC Riverside, was inaugurated Thursday afternoon, Feb. 5, as its 10th chancellor in a ceremony surrounded by University of California leaders, faculty, staff and students.
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Hu delivered his inaugural address inside the University Theatre, outlining his hopes for the campus’ future.
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UC Riverside Chancellor Jack Hu speaks Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, during his inauguration. (Courtesy of Stan Lim, UC Riverside)
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UC Riverside Chancellor Jack Hu speaks Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, during his inauguration. (Courtesy of Stan Lim, UC Riverside)
“Our vision is this: UC Riverside will be the nation’s model for an inclusive innovation-driven public research university, where excellence and social mobility advance together, where discoveries, talent and opportunity transform in Southern California and the world,” Hu said. “This opportunity, this future, belongs to all of us.”
Hu, who took over in July from the retiring Kim Wilcox, is the first Asian person to be appointed to lead the university.
Hu was born in Hunan Province, China, and received his bachelor’s degree from Tianjin University, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. After completing his undergraduate studies, he relocated to Michigan, where he earned master’s and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering. Before joining UCR, Hu was the University of Georgia’s senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.
“Together, we will show what that public research university can achieve when it is driven by purpose, grounded in community and united by that believe in the transformative power of education,” Hu said as he concluded his address.
“And together, we will continue to show that the University of California, Riverside, is not just a place of growth, it’s a place of greatness,” he said.
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