The University of California-Davis has named Ashley Stokes, a professor and dean emeritus at the University of Tennessee, as the new dean of its college of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

She’ll start work at her new position July 1.

Stokes, a professor of veterinary large animal clinical sciences, was dean of UT Extension efforts, overseeing a budget of $100 million and 1,000 faculty and staff.

Under her leadership, the program diversified its funding streams and more than doubled grant and contract awards over its pre-pandemic levels.

Stokes also helped secure $46 million in state funding for new hands-on STEM and outdoor education centers, as well as $16.5 million to endow a new 4-H center.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to bring my experience, energy and endurance to UC-Davis to lead this high performing, outstanding college,” Stokes said.

“I look forward to working together to determine how we best serve our students, the community, our industry partners, California and beyond,” she added, in a news release.

Provost responds

Stokes has more than 30 years of experience in higher education and has previously held leadership roles at Colorado State University and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

“Ashley is an innovative leader committed to furthering our mission and will be an outstanding advocate, especially in rural communities and with stakeholders,” said Mary Croughan, provost and executive vice chancellor.

“Her collaborative and empathetic approach to advancing education and research opportunities beautifully aligns with the transdisciplinary culture we have at UC-Davis. We look forward to welcoming her to campus and to seeing her vision unfold as the leader of this highly respected college and all of its programs,” Croughan added in a news release.

Succeeding Dillard

Stokes succeeds Helene Dillard, who served as the dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for 11 years.

Dillard announced her retirement in 2023.

During her tenure, she led several key initiatives and helped elevate and maintain the college’s ranking as No. 1 for agriculture in the U.S. and No. 2 in the world.

“Her commitment to excellence has greatly benefitted UC-Davis and helped us attract Ashley, an outstanding new dean, to lead us into the future,” Croughan said.