Only two decades after opening its doors to undergraduates, the University of California, Merced has become recognized for its academic research, career preparation for students, and contributions to economic growth. Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz addressed campus and community leaders, as well as members of the UC Merced Foundation Board of Trustees, during his annual State of the University address on Wednesday.
Muñoz highlighted the university’s rapid progress since its grand opening in fall 2005. At that time, only a few buildings were completed and most classes took place in the library. He referenced founding Chancellor Carol Tomlinson-Keasey’s inaugural speech: “UC Merced resolved to reach the high standards for education and innovation set by the University of California’s previous nine campuses.” Muñoz added, “The chancellor knew then, as I do now, that the people assembled to learn, to teach, to work and inquire at UC Merced have indeed been and remain categorically up to the task.”
A significant announcement came from one of UC Merced’s original leaders. Keith Alley, who served as the university’s first vice chancellor for research and graduate dean—and later as provost—along with his wife Jill has established an endowment with ongoing funding. They pledged up to $2 million to support undergraduate student research.
Among achievements noted during the address was UC Merced’s estimated annual economic impact: $1 billion in Merced County alone and nearly $1.4 billion statewide. A study by Beacon Economics commissioned by UC Merced found that the university supports one out of every 15 jobs in Merced County and more than 8,600 jobs across California. The research operations at UC Merced generate $158 million in economic output statewide; each dollar invested in research doubles its economic activity.
UC Merced also advanced in national college rankings this year. U.S. News & World Report placed it 25th among public universities while The Wall Street Journal ranked it 14th among all universities nationally. Both publications ranked UC Merced third for social mobility—a measure reflecting how students improve their economic standing through education.
More than 95 percent of current students are Californians; nearly 40 percent are from the Central Valley region. Additionally, about two-thirds of new students this semester are first-generation college attendees.
The university continues expanding access through programs like MAAP (Merced Automatic Admissions Program), which streamlines applications for high school students meeting University of California requirements. Fresno Unified School District joined MAAP in September alongside approximately 40 other districts statewide.
Earlier this year, UC Merced achieved R1 classification—the highest status for public research universities—from the Carnegie Foundation. It also received Carnegie’s new “opportunity” designation for prioritizing access for underrepresented or low-income students and producing graduates whose earnings exceed expectations. Only three universities in California hold both distinctions.
Other developments include expansion of the Agricultural Experiment Station; construction projects such as the new Education Building and Promise Housing project; and continued efforts with San Joaquin Valley PRIME+, a program aimed at training local physicians.
Muñoz closed by referencing Tomlinson-Keasey’s words from twenty years ago: “She said, ‘Our university will not be finished in 20 years, not in 50 years, not in many lifetimes. But let us begin,’” he said. “I am so very proud of what we have become at UC Merced. I am in awe of what we can be.”
“As my predecessor said 20 years ago, I say again today: Let us begin.”
