Francis A. Sooy, M.D.

Chancellor 1972-1982

Francis A. Sooy, M.D., served as UCSF's fourth chancellor. During his tenure, UCSF gained recognition locally and nationally as a premier health sciences campus and became one of the most successful research universities in the country. The new School of Dentistry building, the new Long Hospital, and the modernized Moffitt Hospital projects were completed. Sooy recruited outstanding physicians and researchers for some of the top campus positions, including three new deans. In addition, UCSF was able to turn around its relationship with the surrounding community from outright hostility in some quarters to pride and participation in UCSF.

Dr. Sooy spent 50 years of his life associated with the University of California - from his undergraduate years at Berkeley in 1933, to his graduation in the top 10% of his medical school class at UCSF in 1941, to becoming chair of the Department of Otolaryngology in 1967, and to his tenure as chancellor. He was also head of the statewide Academic Senate from 1969-1970. After his service as chancellor, Dr. Sooy returned to private practice and teaching responsibilities at UCSF.