Golden State Today

Ashley Stokes, a professor and former dean at the University of Tennessee, is set to become the new dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis starting July 1. Stokes brings over 30 years of experience in higher education, having previously served as dean of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture’s UT Extension from 2021 to 2024.

During her tenure at UT Extension, she managed a budget of $100 million and led a team of 1,000 faculty and staff. Her leadership contributed to diversifying funding streams and significantly increasing grant and contract awards beyond pre-pandemic levels. She also played a crucial role in securing $46 million for new STEM and outdoor education centers in Tennessee's state budget and helped endow a new 4-H center with $16.5 million.

Mary Croughan, provost and executive vice chancellor at UC Davis, expressed confidence in Stokes' abilities: “Ashley is an innovative leader committed to furthering our mission and will be an outstanding advocate, especially in rural communities and with stakeholders.” Croughan highlighted Stokes' alignment with UC Davis' transdisciplinary culture.

Stokes herself stated her enthusiasm for joining UC Davis: “I am excited to join the incredible faculty and staff in CA&ES and foster an environment where they can succeed and thrive.”

Stokes succeeds Helene Dillard, who has served as dean for 11 years. Under Dillard's leadership, the college achieved national recognition as No. 1 in agriculture domestically and No. 2 globally. Her efforts included enhancing relationships with public agencies, securing substantial private donations like the $50 million gift from Lynda and Stewart Resnick for sustainability initiatives.

Croughan praised Dillard’s contributions: “Helene has devoted her career to the betterment of society through research, teaching, mentorship and service.”