Dean Helene Dillard of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recently announced the appointment of Professor Ermias Kebreab, who holds the Sesnon Endowed Chair in the Department of Animal Science, to serve as associate dean of Global Engagement and director of the World Food Center.

This is a new position, replacing associate dean of International Programs in CA&ES, and "will foster the college’s engagement with food-related needs and stakeholders, expanding outward from our local region and connecting across the globe,” Dillard said.

Kebreab is stepping down as associate vice provost of Academic Programs for Global Affairs, to take up his new post effective Jan. 15.

“Ermias’ significant international experience and vision for international engagement make him uniquely suited to support the mission and goals of both the college and World Food Center,” Dillard said. “Ermias will oversee the advancement of our college’s international goals while working in collaboration with our extensive internal and external partnerships to magnify the grand challenges facing our global food system through the World Food Center.”

Kebreab comes to his new position as a distinguished scholar and skilled administrator with extensive experience in sustainable agriculture and animal science, Dillard said. “Since he started in Global Affairs in 2016, he has collaborated across campus to welcome hundreds of international delegations and visitors to UC Davis and facilitated 50 new agreements and partnerships with leading institutions,” she said.

Read more about Kebreab in this CA&ES article. 

Dillard thanked Kent Bradford, distinguished professor of plant sciences and director of the Seed Biotechnology Center, for his service as interim director of the World Food Center. “Kent has been instrumental in successfully navigating the World Food Center through this transitional period.”

She added that Bradford has agreed to continue supporting this next phase of the World Food Center transition by staying on as associate director until June 30.

“The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and UC Davis remain committed to the goals and vision of our international research and the mission of the World Food Center, and we are dedicated to the growth and continued accomplishments of our programs,” Dillard said.

Global Affairs is recruiting to fill Kebreab’s position as associate vice provost for academic programs.

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