President David M. Carlisle Delivers 13th State of the University Address
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) President and CEO David M. Carlisle delivered his 13th State of the University Address, a moment that brought together faculty, staff, students, partners, and elected officials to reflect on progress and prepare for the future.
President Carlisle celebrated CDU’s many accomplishments over the past year — from the successful recruitment of new academic leaders and recognition of longtime faculty and staff, to record enrollment projections and national rankings that continue to elevate CDU’s profile.
His address underscored why CDU’s mission — cultivating diverse health professional leaders dedicated to social justice and health equity — remains as urgent as ever. In Los Angeles County, communities of color continue to experience disproportionately high rates of chronic illness, and life expectancy in South Los Angeles still lags more than 10 years behind more affluent neighborhoods. Access to primary care remains limited, leaving vulnerable communities without the consistent medical support they need.
These stark realities framed President Carlisle’s words, however, the address was marked by pride, resolve, and a sense of hope. Attendees celebrated the accomplishments of students like Isaiah Hoffman, Bailey Moore, and Juan Gonzalez, whose work embodies CDU’s values of innovation, service, and perseverance.
That strength was evident not only in CDU’s milestones but also in the broad support on display. Elected officials and community partners joined President Carlisle on stage, underscoring CDU’s vital role in advancing health equity. Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Supervisor Holly Mitchell (represented by Kasie Hervey), Assembly Member Mike Gipson, State Senator Steven Bradford, and Compton Mayor Emma Sharif were recognized for their steadfast advocacy. Partners such as L.A. Care, Sutter Health, HealthNet, Centene, and AltaMed were also acknowledged for investing millions into scholarships and programs that directly support CDU students.
At the same time, President Carlisle spoke honestly about the challenges that lie ahead, including funding cuts, budget deficits, and political threats that have impacted the University’s research capacity.
“Despite our many collective achievements over the last year, I am disappointed to share that we fell short of our financial forecasts and, unfortunately, fell victim to political threats we had hoped would not materialize,” he said.
Even so, he emphasized that CDU’s foundation remains strong.
“I remain hopeful because CDU does not stand alone. We are grounded in the strength and spirit of Los Angeles, a city defined by its resilience, diversity, and unwavering belief in progress. Angelenos know how to rise up, rebuild, and lead with purpose, and that same spirit lives within our students, faculty, staff, and community.”
As the University prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary next year, President Carlisle closed with a charge to the CDU community, “Stay committed. Stay courageous. Stay clear on why we’re here. Let’s continue building a university that reflects the brilliance of our students, the urgency of our mission, and the promise of our legacy.”