Friends and colleagues of Dean Emeritus Charley Hess have been flooded with fond memories since he passed away due to congestive heart failure on April 13. We mourn his loss and celebrate his boundless energy, incredible work ethic and passion for agriculture, innovation and life. 

Charles E. “Charley” Hess, a UC Davis Medal recipient and dean emeritus of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences who never took the word “retirement” seriously, died Saturday (April 13) of congestive heart failure at the age of 87.

Saturday was Picnic Day, the biggest celebration of the year at the institution he loved. Two years ago he rode in the Picnic Day Parade as outstanding retiree of the year, an honor bestowed on him by his fellow retirees who took seriously and appreciated his continued service to the campus community.

This winter has been extraordinary. We now have an abundant snowpack in the mountains and our reservoirs are filling to the brim. Our long drought is officially over. That’s great news, but we all know that our weather could swing back toward drier conditions without much warning. That’s one of the reasons the work we do is so important.

The University of California, Davis, is ranked second in the world in veterinary science and in agriculture and forestry, according to the 2019 QS World University Rankings by subject released today (Feb. 27).

Among 48 disciplines, UC Davis ranked in the top 50 in seven. In addition to veterinary science and agriculture and forestry, they are environmental sciences (15th), anatomy and physiology (38th), biological sciences (42nd), earth and marine sciences (36th), and developmental studies (21st).

2019 is off to a good start and has already provided us with much needed rain and snow in the mountains. I am looking forward to a productive year filled with notable accomplishments for our faculty, staff and students. We are resolute in our commitment to make sure everyone in our college has the tools, resources and facilities to help them succeed. There are many behind-the-scenes activities that keep us moving in the right direction, and I thought it would be good to reflect on these as we begin the year. 

As the calendar year draws to a close, I find myself filled with gratitude for the dedication and hard work of our faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends who keep the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the forefront of meeting the challenges that face our world. You’ve heard it said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so we decided to treat you to a slide show of a few highlights from 2018.

Department of Animal Science Professor Ermias Kebreab has been appointed to the new position of Associate Dean of Global Engagement and Director of the World Food Center, effective January 15, 2019. 

I’d like to extend a sincere “welcome back” to everyone after the Thanksgiving break and the campus closure caused by the very poor air quality from the tragic Camp Fire. Our hearts go out to all those affected by what is now the most destructive and deadly wildfire in California history.

The relative calm of summer in Davis has quickly given way to the hustle and bustle of our students, staff and faculty gearing up for a new academic year. We welcome everyone back and look forward to the excitement, discovery, and connections this change in seasons brings.

Congratulations to the 1,720 undergraduate students who will cross the stage at one of two College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES) commencement ceremonies on Friday, June 15.