University News

he University of California, Davis, raised more than $676 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2025–26, more than doubling the university's previous giving record and marking the strongest fundraising year in its history.

Donors’ unprecedented level of investment in UC Davis will expand opportunities for students, strengthen faculty excellence, accelerate discoveries that improve lives, and support new facilities and programs that elevate the university’s impact across California and beyond.

Professors Johan Leveau and Jorge Mazza Rodrigues will take over as chairs of the Department of Plant Pathology and Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, respectively, Dean Ashley M. Stokes from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences announced. 

The appointments took effect July 1, 2026.

Leveau, who is a microbial ecologist and professor, has served as interim chair since January, replacing Dave Rizzo. 

We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements, dedication, resilience and determination that brought our students to this milestone. Their accomplishments inspire us and reflect the curiosity, innovation and leadership that define our Aggie spirit. A degree from UC Davis marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and we know our students are prepared for this next step. Wherever they go and whatever they do, they will inspire people, remain lifelong learners and bring light to the communities they serve.

Five UC Davis faculty members, including David Rizzo from CA&ES, were selected to speak at the undergraduate commencements at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento June 12-14.

This month we celebrated the grand opening of the Resnick Center for Agricultural Innovation — a bold new hub for discovery and collaboration that will redefine research, teaching and outreach while driving breakthrough solutions for the future of food systems, sustainability and healthy communities.

The University of California, Davis, celebrated the grand opening of the Resnick Center for Agricultural Innovation, a state-of-the-art facility designed to transform agricultural research, teaching and outreach while accelerating solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges in food systems and sustainability.

Frank Mitloehner, an air quality specialist, professor and director of the CLEAR Center, will be the new chair of the Department of Animal Science, which has the highest undergraduate enrollment in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. 

Dean Ashley M. Stokes called Mitloehner a distinguished member of the faculty who has had a significant impact in animal agriculture, environmental sustainability and public engagement. 

April has been a whirlwind of activity this month! We kicked off spring quarter with Aggie Day, where we welcomed thousands of admitted first years, transfers, families and supporters to campus. It is always so exciting to welcome our newly admitted students, learn about their interests, connect them with our faculty, staff and students, and encourage them to say yes to UC Davis – and our #1 ranked college! I also celebrated my first Picnic Day and was so inspired by all the hard work and dynamic presentations from our departments!

The UC Davis Olive Center is releasing a new olive oil that’s as meaningful as it is tasty. “Friends Blend” will be available for purchase starting this week and the community is invited to get a free taste during Picnic Day, a beloved campus event that will be held April 18.

Four faculty from the University of California, Davis, have been elected as Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, class of 2025. They are among nearly 500 scientists, engineers and other innovators that the society recognized this year for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements.

Here are the new fellows, with their fellowship citations: 

Department of Entomology and Nematology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences