Aggie Excellence: Charting the Legacy of UC Davis
An in-depth exploration of the University of California, Davis, from its agricultural roots to its global impact in research and education.
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Introduction
A Premier Public University
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis, UCD, or simply Davis) stands as a distinguished public land-grant research university nestled in Davis, California. It holds the distinction of being the northernmost of the ten campuses within the esteemed University of California system. Initially established in 1905 as an agricultural branch, it evolved into the sixth general campus of the University of California in 1959, marking a pivotal expansion in its academic scope.
Broadening Horizons and Global Impact
Over the past century, UC Davis has significantly diversified its academic offerings beyond its agricultural origins. Today, it boasts comprehensive graduate and professional programs across critical fields such as medicine (including the UC Davis Medical Center), engineering, science, law, education, nursing, and business management. Notably, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is recognized as the largest veterinary school in the United States. The university also offers an impressive array of 90 research programs through UC Davis Graduate Studies, alongside various certificates and online courses for adult and non-traditional learners.
Accolades and Academic Distinction
Recognized as a "Public Ivy," UC Davis is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities โ Very high research activity," underscoring its commitment to groundbreaking research. Its athletic teams, the UC Davis Aggies, compete in NCAA Division I, primarily within the Big West Conference, with football participating in the Big Sky Conference. The university's profound impact is further evidenced by the achievements of its faculty, alumni, and researchers, who have collectively garnered two Nobel Prizes, one Fields Medal, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, three Pulitzer Prizes, three MacArthur Fellowships, and a National Medal of Science. Furthermore, its current faculty includes 30 members elected to the National Academy of Sciences, 36 to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and 13 to the National Academy of Medicine, highlighting a vibrant intellectual community.
Historical Trajectory
Agricultural Genesis and Early Challenges
The University of California's journey began in 1868 as a land-grant institution, with the College of Agriculture as its foundational college, mandated by the Morrill Land-Grant Acts. Early attempts at an agricultural farm on the Berkeley campus faced significant hurdles due to unsuitable soil and climate, as well as a disconnect between practical farming and academic credit. Eugene W. Hilgard, a successor to the initial professor of agriculture, shifted focus to "rational" instruction in scientific agricultural principles, such as soil science and fermentation, which could be researched in a laboratory setting. Despite initial skepticism, Hilgard eventually recognized the "pressing need" for a dedicated university farm by his retirement in 1905.
The Birth of the University Farm
The vision for a university farm was championed by Peter J. Shields, secretary of the California Agricultural Society, and local farmer-politician George Washington Pierce Jr. Their efforts culminated in the University Farm Bill on March 18, 1905, which allocated $150,000 for land acquisition and construction. A 779-acre portion of Jerome C. Davis's stock farm near Davisville was selected, with the Regents taking control in September 1906 and constructing four buildings by 1907. Short courses commenced in October 1908, and the University Farm School officially opened on January 5, 1909, offering a three-year program for farm boys. The institution gradually became more inclusive, admitting its first female students for short courses in 1917 and to the Farm School in 1918. By May 1922, the Farm School transitioned to a non-degree vocational program.
From Farm School to Degree-Granting Campus
The institution experienced rapid growth, expanding from 778 acres in 1916 to 3,000 acres by 1951. It underwent several name changes, becoming the Northern Branch of the College of Agriculture in 1922 and the College of Agriculture at Davis in 1938. Initially, students had to travel to Berkeley for degrees, but agricultural interests pushed for greater autonomy. This led to the authorization of a two-year undergraduate program in 1922, and by sharing faculty with Berkeley, a full four-year bachelor's degree program was established, with the first class graduating from Davis in 1926. Key developments included the authorization of a school of veterinary medicine in 1941 (opening in 1948 after WWII delays) and the campus being used by the U.S. Army Signal Corps during the war. In 1948, Davis hosted its first graduation ceremony, and in 1949, the campus expanded to include West Campus and the first university airport in the United States.
Emergence as a General Campus
Davis's administrative structure evolved from an offsite department of Berkeley to an autonomous campus. Stanley B. Freeborn served as its first provost (1952-1958) and then its first chancellor (1958-1959). In October 1959, the Regents formally designated Davis as a general campus, granting its chancellor the same autonomy as those at UC Berkeley and UCLA. The board affirmed agriculture's continued dominance while also encouraging service to the state government due to its proximity to Sacramento. Under Chancellor Emil M. Mrak (1959-1969), the campus became notably bicycle-friendly, and significant academic units were established, including the Graduate Division (1961), College of Engineering (1962), School of Law (1966), and School of Medicine (1968). A Native American studies program, one of the first at a major university, was also initiated in 1969.
Modern Era and Key Events
The university's recent history includes notable events such as the 2011 pepper spray incident during Occupy UC Davis protests, which drew international attention and led to significant administrative changes, including the resignation of Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi in 2016. In 2017, Gary S. May was appointed the seventh chancellor, becoming the second African American to hold such a position at a UC campus. More recently, the campus experienced the 2022 UAW strike by teaching assistants, which concluded with a tentative agreement, and the 2023 serial stabbing incidents, leading to the arrest of a former student. These events underscore the dynamic and sometimes challenging environment of a large public institution.
Campus Landscape
Location and Environment
Although bearing the name of the City of Davis, the campus itself is situated adjacent to the city in an unincorporated area spanning Yolo and Solano counties. Located 15 miles (24.1 km) west of Sacramento within the Sacramento Valley, it benefits from easy access to Interstate 80. Davis is renowned as a quintessential college town, with students comprising approximately one-quarter of its long-term residents. The close proximity of downtown Davis to the campus's main quad, just a short walk or bike ride away, fosters a vibrant college-town atmosphere. Despite its vast 7,331-acre expanse, the largest in the UC system, the entire community is easily navigable by bicycle, thanks to an extensive network of trails.
Core Areas and Architectural Highlights
The campus is thoughtfully organized into distinct areas. The historic geographic center is the Quad, a large rectangular field anchored by the Memorial Union to the north, Shields Library to the south, and Wellman and Olson halls to the west and southeast. The northeast side of campus features many of the older, core buildings, including Mrak Hall and Hutchison Hall. A notable architectural landmark is the Social Sciences and Humanities building, designed by Antoine Predock, colloquially known as the "Death Star" due to its distinctive angular, metallic design. The south main campus and south campus areas house the Equestrian Center, Animal Sciences buildings, the West Entry Parking Complex, the Silo Union, and the modern Science Lecture Hall and Science Laboratory Building. The Mondavi Center, a hub for cultural events, is also located near the Tercero residence halls.
West Campus and Research Facilities
Historically, West Campus has been dedicated to agricultural research. More recently, a significant portion has been developed into UC Davis West Village, a $300 million public-private partnership creating the largest zero net energy community in the United States, designed to house 3,000 students, faculty, and staff. This area is also home to plant sciences and entomology courses, where students engage in practical field work and maintain gardens. Key facilities include the University Airportโthe first university airport in the U.S. and the only one in the UC systemโFoundation Plant Services, the California National Primate Research Center, and the Contained Research Facility, a bio-safety level 3 laboratory.
Arboretum and Public Art
To the south of the campus core lies the 100-acre UC Davis Arboretum, a verdant expanse featuring 3.5 miles of paved paths, 4,000 tree specimens, Putah Creek, and Lake Spafford. This natural space has undergone multi-year enhancement projects, with phases completed in 2018 and 2024. The campus is also adorned with seven public art statues, collectively known as *The Egghead Series*, sculpted by the late Robert Arneson, a former Davis faculty member. Iconic pieces include *Bookhead* at Shields Library plaza, *Yin & Yang* at the Fine Arts Complex, and *Eye on Mrak* outside Mrak Hall. The *Yin & Yang* egg heads have even been duplicated for installation in San Francisco. Additionally, UC Davis hosts the C.N. Gorman Museum, specializing in indigenous and Native American art, and the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, focusing on local artists from the Bay Area Figurative, Pop art, and Funk art movements.
Student Living
UC Davis Student Housing provides accommodation for over 11,000 students across 23 residence halls, organized into three main areas: Segundo, Tercero, and Cuarto. These facilities are designed to support a vibrant residential experience for the diverse student body.
Academic Excellence
Diverse Programs and Specialized Fields
UC Davis offers a comprehensive academic portfolio, encompassing 102 undergraduate majors and 101 graduate programs. The university is particularly renowned for its Department of Viticulture and Enology, which has driven significant advancements in winemaking, widely adopted by Californian wineries. Its large Department of Animal Science provides students with unique hands-on learning opportunities at the university's on-campus dairy, meat-processing plant, equestrian facility, and experimental farm. Students in Environmental Horticulture and other botanical sciences benefit from extensive campus farmland and the UC Davis Arboretum. The Department of Applied Science, notably founded by physicist Edward Teller, and the Design Department, the sole comprehensive academic design unit in the UC system, further highlight the university's diverse strengths. The arts are also extensively studied, with programs in studio art, design, music, theater, and dance, complemented by the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts global artists.
Collegiate Structure
Undergraduate majors at UC Davis are organized into four distinct colleges, each with its own founding history:
- UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (established 1922)
- UC Davis College of Biological Sciences (established 2005)
- UC Davis College of Engineering (established 1962)
- UC Davis College of Letters and Science (established 1951)
National and Global Recognition
UC Davis consistently earns high rankings, solidifying its status as a "Public Ivy." In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked it tied for the 6th-best public university in the U.S., 28th nationally, and 73rd globally. Washington Monthly placed it 13th in its 2020 National University ranking, recognizing its contributions to social mobility, research, and public service. Money magazine ranked UC Davis 10th nationally and 4th among public schools in its 2020 "Best Colleges for Your Money" edition. Forbes (2022) positioned it 23rd overall, 22nd among research universities, 4th among public universities, and 11th for "Best Value."
Admissions Overview
Admission to UC Davis is highly competitive, rated as "more selective" by U.S. News & World Report. For Fall 2019, the university received 78,093 freshman applications, admitting 39.1% of applicants, with 5,957 ultimately enrolling. The average high school GPA for enrolled freshmen was 4.13. Standardized test scores for the middle 50% of admitted students ranged from 610-710 for SAT Reading, 630-790 for SAT Math, and 28-34 for the ACT Composite score. The Fall 2021 incoming freshman class saw a record 105,850 applicants, an 11% increase from the previous year, with an admission rate of 37.5%.
Library Resources and ROTC
UC Davis provides extensive library resources across its campuses, including the main Peter J. Shields Library, the Physical Sciences & Engineering Library, the Carlson Health Sciences Library, and the Medical Center Library in Sacramento. These libraries collectively house over 3 million volumes and offer specialized collections and services. The Peter J. Shields Library, with its three distinct architectural styles, serves as a central study hub, featuring a 24-hour reading room and open computer labs. Additionally, the university hosts the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, known as the Forged Gold Battalion. With over 60 years of history, this program commissions approximately 10 graduating seniors as second lieutenants annually, contributing to national service.
Graduate Studies
Advanced Degree Offerings
The University of California, Davis, is a hub for advanced scholarship, offering over 90 post-graduate programs that lead to master's and doctoral degrees, as well as post-doctoral courses. These programs attract more than 4,000 students from across the globe, fostering a diverse and intellectually vibrant community dedicated to cutting-edge research and professional development.
Professional Schools
UC Davis distinguishes itself within the UC system by offering the broadest range of professional programs. Its comprehensive suite of graduate and professional schools includes:
- UC Davis Graduate Studies (established 1925)
- Graduate School of Management (established 1981)
- School of Education (established 2002)
- School of Law (established 1965)
- School of Medicine (established 1966)
- School of Veterinary Medicine (established 1948)
- Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing (established 2009)
This extensive array of professional schools surpasses that of other UC campuses like Los Angeles and Riverside, which lack a veterinary school, and in Riverside's case, also a nursing school.
Evolution of Graduate Education
The tradition of graduate education at UC Davis dates back over 80 years. It formally began in the fall of 1925, when 12 students received graduate degrees from the College of Agriculture through a collaborative arrangement with the graduate division of the University of California at Berkeley. This partnership laid the groundwork for the independent graduate programs that would follow. The first graduate degrees awarded directly from the UC Davis campus occurred in the fall of 1949. In 1961, autonomous graduate divisions and councils were established across all University of California campuses, providing dedicated oversight and fostering the unique academic identity of each institution's graduate programs.
The Graduate Group Model
A defining characteristic of graduate education at UC Davis is its innovative "graduate group" model. This structure emphasizes shared research interests among faculty and students, offering the flexibility to adapt and evolve rapidly in response to emerging interdisciplinary knowledge and technological advancements. It acknowledges that many complex research questions transcend traditional academic departmental boundaries, promoting a collaborative and dynamic research environment. UC Davis proudly hosts more graduate groups than any other campus within the UC system, reflecting its commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship.
Medical School Competitiveness
The UC Davis School of Medicine is recognized for its highly competitive admissions. In 2016, U.S. News & World Report ranked it as the 6th most competitive medical school in the United States, with an acceptance rate of just 2.8%. This highlights the rigorous standards and exceptional caliber of students admitted to its medical programs.
Faculty & Research
A Hub of Innovation
UC Davis is a distinguished member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an elite organization comprising 62 leading research universities dedicated to maintaining robust systems of academic research and education. This affiliation underscores UC Davis's commitment to pioneering research and its significant contributions to the global knowledge base. The university's research endeavors span a vast array of disciplines, from agricultural sciences to cutting-edge biomedical research.
Research Funding and Impact
The university demonstrates a substantial commitment to research, with expenditures totaling $788.8 million in fiscal year 2018, ranking it 30th nationally. This significant investment fuels a wide range of projects, contributing to advancements in various fields. For instance, between 2017 and 2020, UC Davis received $1.4 million from Neuralink to conduct experiments involving brain implants in monkeys. While these studies adhered to campus Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols, some monkeys were euthanized due to infections, leading to public records requests and scrutiny from organizations like the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. The university maintains that it complied with all relevant regulations and approvals.
Faculty Distinctions
The faculty at UC Davis is comprised of highly accomplished scholars and researchers who have received numerous prestigious honors. These include 23 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 14 members of the National Academy of Engineering, 30 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 17 members of the American Law Institute, and 5 members of the Royal Society. Additionally, the faculty boasts 3 Pulitzer Prize winners, 1 Guggenheim Fellow, and 3 MacArthur Fellows, reflecting the exceptional intellectual caliber and profound impact of its academic community.
Specialized Centers and Laboratories
UC Davis hosts an impressive array of research centers and laboratories, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and specialized inquiry. These include the Advanced Highway Maintenance Construction Technology Research Laboratory, the Bodega Marine Reserve, the C-STEM Center, the California National Primate Research Center, and the MIND Institute. The John Muir Institute of the Environment stands as the largest research unit on campus, spanning all colleges and professional schools. Notably, the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory, operational since 1966, houses a nuclear accelerator used for research in nuclear physics, applied solid-state physics, radiation effects, air quality, planetary geology, and cosmogenics, making UC Davis one of only two UC campuses with such a facility. Furthermore, a planned Davis Millimeter Wave Research Center, a joint effort with Agilent Technologies Inc., aims to advance research in millimeter wave and THz systems.
Student Life
Student Governance and Services
The Associated Students of UC Davis (ASUCD) serves as the undergraduate student government, managing an annual operating budget of $11.1 million, making it one of the largest-funded student governments in the United States. ASUCD is structured with Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, and actively lobbies for student interests at local and state levels. Beyond advocacy, ASUCD oversees vital student-run services, including the popular Coffee House (CoHo), which serves approximately 7,000 customers daily, and Unitrans, the city's public bus system. These units collectively employ thousands of students annually, providing valuable work experience and contributing to campus vibrancy.
Signature Events and Media
A highlight of the UC Davis calendar is Picnic Day, the university's annual Open House, recognized as the largest student-run event in the United States. It draws thousands of visitors with a diverse range of attractions, including a parade, a dance competition, a chemistry department magic show, the lively Doxie Derby (dachshund races), film screenings, and a "Battle of the Bands" featuring the UC Davis Marching Band against other college bands. Another integral part of student life is KDVS, the student-run freeform radio station, which began broadcasting in 1964 from Beckett Hall. KDVS gained early notoriety for interviews with figures like Angela Davis and a live call-in show with then-California Governor Ronald Reagan in 1969. Today, it can be heard on 90.3 FM and online.
Organizations and Recreation
UC Davis fosters a rich and diverse student community with over 800 registered student organizations, catering to a wide spectrum of interests from political clubs and professional societies to language clubs. Graduate students and management students are represented by the Graduate Student Association (GSA), while law students have their own Law Students Association. Beyond academics and clubs, students actively participate in intramural sports such as basketball, ultimate frisbee, and soccer. The Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) provides extensive facilities, including a basketball gym, workout rooms, ping pong tables, squash courts, a rock climbing wall, and studios for group exercise, promoting a holistic student experience.
Campus Transportation
Bicycles are a defining feature of transportation at UC Davis and in the city, with both the university and municipality actively promoting cycling through dedicated infrastructure like bike circles, expansive bike lanes, and traffic signals specifically for bicycles. UC Davis boasts a successful road and mountain bike team with multiple national championship titles. The campus police department even patrols on bicycles and strictly enforces regulations such as bicycling under the influence (BUI) and riding without a headlight at night. Students frequently utilize the ASUCD Bike Barn on campus or local bike shops for servicing. The university is also well-known for Unitrans, its student-run (and student-driven) bus service, famous for operating vintage London double-decker buses in daily service since 1968. An inter-campus bus service connects UC Davis with UC Berkeley twice daily on weekdays. Davis is also a busy station for the Capitol Corridor intercity railroad. Despite extensive alternative transportation, increasing housing costs in Davis have led to more students commuting by car from neighboring communities, supported by freeway access and services like the Causeway Connection bus.
Student Publications and Greek Life
UC Davis publishes *The California Aggie*, a weekly student newspaper that originated in 1915 as the *Weekly Agricola*. Initially covering both student news and farming topics, it was renamed in 1922 to align with the school's athletic identity. After a period of online-only publication from 2014 to 2016, the *Aggie* resumed print distribution in October 2016. Social fraternities and sororities have been a part of campus life since 1913, with approximately 8% of undergraduates participating. The campus hosts 13 Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities and 11 Panhellenic Council sororities. Alpha Gamma Rho, established in 1923, holds the distinction of being the first continuously running national fraternity on campus, with many campus buildings named after its alumni, reflecting its deep historical ties to the university.
Aggie Athletics
NCAA Division I Competition
The UC Davis Aggies, also known as Cal Aggies or Ags, compete in NCAA Division I sports. Most teams are members of the Big West Conference. The football team, however, competes in Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) as part of the Big Sky Conference, making UC Davis one of only three UC campuses to field a football team. Other affiliations include the Big-12 for lacrosse, the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation for gymnastics, and the America East Conference for field hockey. The Men's Crew Club competes in the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association. Looking ahead, the Aggies are set to join the Mountain West Conference on July 1, 2026, though football will remain in the Big Sky Conference.
Legacy of Success
Before reclassifying to Division I, UC Davis enjoyed significant success in NCAA Division II. The Aggies finished first in Division II six times in 2003 and won the NACDA Directors' Cup four consecutive years from 1999 to 2003. Notable national championships include men's basketball in 1998 (despite being a non-scholarship institution), softball in 2003, men's tennis in 1992, and women's tennis in 1990 and 1993. These achievements were a key factor in the decision to transition the athletics program to Division I in 2003, following extensive discussions among campus stakeholders.
Fierce Rivalries and Spirit
The Aggies engage in spirited rivalries, most notably the annual Causeway Classic against Sacramento State, where teams compete for the Causeway Carriage. Another significant matchup is the Battle for the Golden Horseshoe against Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. UC Davis is renowned for the Aggie Pack, the largest student-run school spirit organization in the United States, which rallies students at sporting events alongside the Spirit Squad and the Cal Aggie Marching Band. Aggie Stadium serves as the home for both the football and lacrosse teams, providing a vibrant venue for campus athletics.
Colors, Mascot, and Program Adjustments
The official school colors are Aggie blue (Pantone 295) and gold (Pantone 295 and FFBF00), a distinct shade of blue often associated with the UC system's early ties to Yale. The official school mascot is Gunrock the Mustang. In April 2010, due to budget pressures, the athletics department made difficult decisions to cut several programs, including wrestling, men's swimming, men's indoor track, and women's rowing, amounting to a $1.79 million reduction. For the 2010-2011 academic year, 14 women's teams and 9 men's teams remained funded, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance athletic excellence with financial sustainability.
Sustainability Initiatives
Green Campus Features
UC Davis is a leader in environmental sustainability, integrating numerous green features across its campus. The renovated Dining Commons in the Cuarto living area, opened in Fall 2010, exemplifies this commitment by utilizing local produce and promoting sustainable dining practices. The university operates twenty LEED-certified buildings across three major categories, showcasing its dedication to green construction. Notable examples include the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, the world's first brewery, winery, or food-processing facility to achieve Platinum-level certification, and the Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) at Lake Tahoe, one of only five laboratories globally to earn Platinum-level certification. Furthermore, UC Davis West Village was developed as a pioneering "zero net energy" community, demonstrating a commitment to energy independence.
Awards and Innovations
The university's sustainability efforts have garnered significant recognition. In 2009, UC Davis received two Best Practice Awards at the annual Sustainability Conference, hosted by the University of California, California State University, and California Community Colleges, for its lighting retrofit project and sustainable design in new construction. The campus actively harvests olives from its historic trees to produce olive oil and table olives for use in campus dining rooms. It also employs drought-tolerant landscaping and operates its own landfill, converting methane gas into energy. These comprehensive initiatives earned UC Davis an A- on the 2011 College Sustainability Report Card, the highest grade awarded to any of the 27 universities achieving this distinction.
Global Partnerships and Policy Leadership
UC Davis extends its sustainability leadership beyond its campus borders through innovative partnerships. In February 2014, it formed a joint venture with Diamond Developers to create a sustainable city in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This "eco-village" project, designed for 1,200 residents, includes K-12 education, various housing types, and retail spaces. The partnership expanded in May 2015 to include a sustainability professional training program. Domestically, UC Davis became the first university to implement a fee for all single-use bags distributed on campus and is actively working towards a complete ban on plastic bags. The Agricultural Sustainability Institute (ASI), part of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), provides leadership for research, teaching, and outreach in agricultural and food systems sustainability across the UC system. The university also hosted the Governors' Global Climate Summit 3 (GGCS3), an international forum that convened over 1,500 attendees from more than 80 countries to foster partnerships for a clean, green economy.
Administration
Governance Structure
The entire University of California system operates under the governance of the Regents, a 26-member board established by the California Constitution. This board holds the authority to appoint the university's principal officers, including the system-wide president and the Chancellor of UC Davis. The UC Davis Chancellor is entrusted with the overarching responsibility for the leadership, management, and administration of the campus, reporting directly to the President of the University of California system, a position currently held by Michael Drake.
Leadership Roles
The Offices of the Chancellor and Provost are jointly led by the Executive Vice-Chancellor and Provost (EVCP). In their capacity as Executive Vice-Chancellor, the EVCP collaborates with the Chancellor in the comprehensive leadership and management of campus administration and operations. Concurrently, as Provost, this individual serves as UC Davis' chief academic officer, overseeing all academic affairs. Executive support for these offices is provided by a dedicated senior staff, while the Council of Deans and Vice-Chancellors comprises the heads of the university's primary academic and administrative units, ensuring coordinated leadership across the institution.
Chancellors of UC Davis
Since its formal designation as a general campus in 1959, UC Davis has been led by a distinguished line of chancellors. These leaders have guided the university through periods of significant growth, academic expansion, and evolving challenges. The chancellors who have served the UC Davis campus include:
- Stanley B. Freeborn: September 25, 1958 โ June 30, 1959
- Emil M. Mrak: July 1, 1959 โ June 30, 1969
- James H. Meyer: July 1, 1969 โ June 30, 1987
- Theodore L. Hullar: July 1, 1987 โ December 31, 1994
- Larry N. Vanderhoef: January 1, 1995 โ June 30, 2009
- Linda P.B. Katehi: August 17, 2009 โ August 9, 2016
- Ralph J. Hexter: August 9, 2016 โ July 31, 2017 (Interim)
- Gary S. May: August 1, 2017 โ Present
Demographics
Student Profile
UC Davis is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive student body. As of Fall 2023, undergraduate demographics reflect a rich tapestry of backgrounds:
- Asian: 31%
- Hispanic: 25%
- White: 21%
- Foreign national: 13%
- Two or more races: 6%
- Black: 2%
- Unknown: 2%
Economically, 32% of undergraduates are classified as low-income, while 68% are affluent. In Fall 2023, women constituted 58.4% of the undergraduate student population. Former Chancellor Katehi had set a goal for UC Davis to achieve Hispanic-Serving Institution status by the 2018โ2019 school year, aiming for at least 25% Latino undergraduates, a target the university continues to strive towards.
Campus Census Data
The area designated as "University of California-Davis" was first recognized as a census-designated place (CDP) by the United States Census Bureau in the 2010 U.S. census. This CDP largely aligns with the physical campus but also includes some adjacent private student housing situated outside the official Davis city limits. According to the 2020 census, the population of this CDP was 8,525, marking a significant increase of 47.3% from the 2010 population of 5,786. This growth reflects the expanding residential footprint associated with the university.
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References
References
- Endowment assets held and administered by the Regents of the University of California for the benefit of the university.
- The percentage of students who received an income-based federal Pell grant intended for low-income students.
- The percentage of students who are a part of the American middle class at the bare minimum.
- Although Vanderhoef originally planned to step down on June 30, 2009, he decided to stay on until August 16, 2009, at the request of UC president Mark G. Yudof.
- Katehi was placed on "investigatory administrative leave" on April 27, 2016, after she was accused of violating of several University of California policies. She resigned on August 9, 2016.
- Hexter became acting chancellor on April 27, 2016, when Katehi was placed on "investigatory administrative leave" and continued in that capacity after Katehi submitted her resignation until a replacement chancellor was installed.
- See Cal. Stats., 17th sess., 1867รขยย1868, ch. 244, รยง 2.
- Cal. Stats., 36th sess., 1905, ch. 139, รยงรยง 1-6.
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