Mark Yudof

The UC System is Struggling as Public Funding is Reduced

The UC System is Struggling as Public Funding is Reduced

Last June, Mark Yudof became the president of the University of California. As the former president of the University of Minnesota, he wrestled with Jesse Ventura, then the Governor of Minnesota, to secure funding. Now, instead of Jesse Ventura, a former professional wrestler and co-star of the 1987 film, "Predator," Mr. Yudof is battling with the film's other co-star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, a former world champion body builder. In May of 2008, a month before Mr. Yudof arrived, UC students saw a tuition increase of 7.4%, or $490.  At present, the state of California is facing a $41.6 billion shortfall by mid-2010, and public higher education is targeted by Schwarzenegger to help stem the flow of red ink.