Kathryn Olmsted, a professor in the Department of History at UC Davis, has been named Associate Dean of the Faculty in the Social Sciences in the College of Letters and Science. She is a recognized leader in research on U.S. history and brings broad academic leadership experience at UC Davis.
Psychologist Dean Keith Simonton would have studied chemistry if not for an introductory textbook that would define his 50-year career studying greatness. Simonton will receive the 2024 Ernest R. Hilgard Lifetime Achievement Award for his work.
Two faculty members in the Department of History in the College of Letters and Science — Lorena Oropeza and Rachel Jean-Baptiste — have taken new leadership roles in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at UC Davis.
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ralph J. Hexter named historian Ari Kelman, an associate dean of the UC Davis College of Letters and Science, to serve as the college’s interim dean starting March 21, 2020. Kelman has agreed to serve until the campus identifies a permanent successor to Elizabeth Spiller, who steps down March 20 to become executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The Ambassadors of Letters and Science (ALAS) are distinguished scholars who represent the UC Davis College of Letters and Science to diverse audiences, including prospective students, families, peers, campus leadership, and the wider community. Meet our Ambassadors for 2024–2025 below.
The Ambassadors of Letters and Science (ALAS) program welcomes applications from enthusiastic and committed students. The process to become a member of the Ambassadors of Letters and Science (ALAS) program is competitive, and includes an application and interview. New members are selected each winter/spring to join ALAS for the upcoming academic year.
Qualifications
Current UC Davis student studying a major within the College of Letters and Science and attending the next academic year at UC Davis.
The Ambassadors of Letters and Science (ALAS) are distinguished scholars who represent the UC Davis College of Letters and Science to diverse audiences, including prospective students, families, peers, campus leadership, and the wider community. The ALAS Program provides leadership opportunities for participants, amplifies College’s outreach through student advocacy, and fosters a sense of community through student-driven initiatives.
The College of Letters and Science relies upon the wisdom, counsel and feedback of various volunteer groups to help us raise the profile of our college, provide support to faculty and the dean, and to support our students and young alumni.