Robert D. and A. Kathleen Grey will receive the 2026 UC Davis Medal, the highest honor from the University of California, Davis. The award recognizes their nearly sixty years of service to the university and local community.
The Greys began their association with UC Davis in 1967 when Robert Grey joined as an assistant professor of zoology. He had previously earned his bachelor’s degree at Phillips University in Oklahoma and a doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis. Over his career, he became known for his work on cellular and molecular mechanisms of reproduction and later served in several administrative roles at UC Davis and within the broader University of California system, including department chair, dean, provost, executive vice chancellor, interim chancellor at UC Riverside, and interim provost for the UC system.
“It’s rare to find a couple who has given as much to a university as Robert and Kathleen Grey,” said UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May. “From the moment they joined our community in 1967, they have helped transform UC Davis into a global powerhouse, led by Bob’s academic stewardship and Kathleen’s expertise in child development. Their generous legacy ensures this impact will continue for generations. It is a privilege to award them the UC Davis Medal in recognition of six decades of service and philanthropy.”
During his tenure as dean of what was then called the Division of Biological Sciences (now College of Biological Sciences), Robert Grey supported establishing the Center for Neuroscience in 1992—the first interdisciplinary research center at UC Davis. He also advised students and faculty until retiring from UC Davis in 2001.
Kathleen Grey specialized in early childhood development and family-child interactions. She worked more than ten years as a program specialist at the Early Childhood Lab School within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Her work contributed to influential studies such as Baby Signs—a method now widely used for early childhood communication—and she continued teaching parent groups about infant behavior after retirement.
“Bob and Kathleen Grey are the epitome of lifelong UC Davis supporters. Whether it was through championing interdisciplinary life sciences research, building community on and off campus, or outstanding stewardship of university resources and expertise, they have made an indelible mark on our campus,” said Mark Winey, dean of the College of Biological Sciences. “I am so excited to see them recognized by UC Davis as the leaders they are.”
The Greys become only the 30th recipients of this medal—previous honorees include Nobel Laureate Charles Rice; artist Wayne Thiebaud; philanthropists Maria Manetti Shrem; Robert Mondavi; and Margrit Mondavi.
“We are so surprised, touched and honored to be recognized in this way,” said Kathleen Grey. “Bob and I have spoken so often about our gratitude for what UC Davis and the University of California system have given us over the years. It wasn’t just our jobs and careers, but the lifetime of friendships and relationships with colleagues and students that have been incredibly meaningful for us.”
The couple raised two children in Davis; their daughter Erin Merritt graduated from UC Davis in 1989.
Recognition for both Greys extends beyond this medal: In 2023, Robert had a building named after him—Robert D. Grey Hall—in honor of his contributions to neuroscience research infrastructure at UC Davis. He also received teaching awards from both faculty peers (Distinguished Teaching Award) and students (Magnus Ronning Award).
Kathleen received recognition from Yolo County Committee for Early Childhood Needs with its annual award in 1994.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with young children, from the time I started taking care of little ones when I was 10 years old,” she said.” Being a specialist working with them at UC Davis was my passion and brought me much joy, and it’s a true honor to be recognized for something I loved so much.”
Their commitment includes philanthropic support: In 2022 they gave $1 million as a legacy gift to endow programs at both Center for Neuroscience—helping sustain its global reputation—and providing undergraduate research awards through Center for Mind & Brain.
UC Davis is known internationally not only because alumni like Bob Grey helped shape its direction but also due to its ongoing focus on research addressing societal needs such as climate change or food security (official website). The university began as an extension focused on agriculture (official website) but now operates globally across fields like veterinary medicine or sustainability (official website), serving society through education public service (official website) with facilities including Bodega Marine Laboratory (official website). Gary May serves as chancellor (official website).
