Mark George Yudof (born October 30, 1944) is an American law professor and academic administrator. He is a former president of the University of California (2008-2013), former chancellor of the University of Texas System (2002–2008), and former president of the University of Minnesota (1997–2002). In addition to his position as Chancellor at The University of Texas, Yudof held the Charles Alan Wright Chair in Federal Courts at the University of Texas School of Law. Previously, he was a faculty member and administrator at The University of Texas at Austin for 26 years, serving as dean of the School of Law from 1984 to 1994 and as the university's executive vice president and provost from 1994 to 1997. Early life Born in Philadelphia to parents of Ukrainian Jewish descent, Yudof was raised in West Philadelphia. Yudof's father worked as an electrician. Yudof earned his B.A. cum laude in political science from the University of Pennsylvania in 1965 and LL.B. cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law in 1968. Legal and academic career (1971–1984) Yudof joined the faculty of The University of Texas School of Law in 1971. He has also been a visiting professor at the University of Michigan Law School and UC Berkeley School of Law. Yudof is a recognized expert in the fields of constitutional law, freedom of expression, and education law. He was co-counsel for the plaintiffs in the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court case San Antonio v. Rodriguez, the landmark school finance lawsuit. He is the author of Gender Justice (with David L. Kirp and Marlene Franks), (Chicago Press, 1986; Paperback, 1987) and of When Government Speaks: Politics, Law, and Government Expression in America, (The University of California Press, 1983). Yudof became a member of the State Bar of Texas in 1980. University administration career Dean of the University of Texas School of Law (1984–1994) From 1984 to 1994, Yudof served as dean of the University of Texas School of Law. Executive vice president and provost of the University of Texas at Austin (1994–1997) From 1994 to 1997, Yudof served as executive vice president and provost of the University of Texas at Austin. In that position, Yudof initiated many improvements to undergraduate education, including creating a freshman seminar program and Academy of Distinguished Teachers. President of the University of Minnesota (1997–2002) On July 1, 1997, Yudof took office as the 14th president of the University