Cultivating Minds, Seeding Change
In 1925 the first 12 graduate students began graduate instruction in the College of Agriculture here in Davis, in what was then “the University Farm” for University of California, Berkeley. Now in 2025, Graduate Studies celebrates this legacy of 100 years of graduate education in Davis and continues to grow forth by supporting a graduate education community of more than 10,000!
Message From Vice Provost and Dean Jean-Pierre Delplanque
Thank you for supporting our graduate education community as we celebrate 100 years of research, innovation, and progress!
This year marks an extraordinary milestone: 100 years of graduate education in Davis. What began with 12 graduate students studying agriculture in the fall of 1925, graduate education in Davis has grown into a dynamic force of nearly 7,000 graduate and professional students and more than 1,000 postdoctoral scholars working across every discipline.
UC Davis graduate programs rank top in the nation and world. We are #2 in the world for veterinary science, #2 nationally for ecology and evolutionary biology, #3 nationally for biological and agricultural engineering, #9 nationally for developmental psychology, #14 nationally for earth sciences, #15 nationally for fine arts, and the list goes on. Our diverse community of scholars have challenged us all to think bigger and act bolder while building a culture of belonging and success through mentorship and professional development.
As we honor this historic moment and look to the future, we will continue to cultivate the best learning experience for students and scholars in their pursuit of knowledge and discovery. What will the next 100 years of graduate education look like at UC Davis? How can we keep growing, changing, and rising to meet new and unforeseen challenges? One thing is certain: the spirit that’s carried us this far — ambition, persistence, curiosity, empathy — will carry us forward into even greater heights where the work that happens here will continue to shape the world.
— Vice Provost and Dean Jean-Pierre Delplanque
100th Anniversary News
Celebrating Our Centennial With "My 100"
What does a century of graduate education, scholarship, and impact look like? It looks like the work that each of you — our current and former graduate students — are doing right now! Get a behind-the-scenes look at their research as our graduate students tell their story and highlight their impact by giving their "My 100."
Jeffrey Hill, M.S. '79
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Hill, USAF (Ret) shares his "My 100" attending UC Davis as a graduate student while being active in the Air Force and coming back to campus 45 years later to walk during Commencement.
Building the Future of Graduate Education
The next era of Graduate Studies’ history will be defined by recovery, growth, and new solutions, and our community must map out the path forward. As we move toward the implementation of a new strategic plan, your expertise, commitment, and immersive engagement are imperative to our collective success.
The Power of Research
UC Davis is a powerhouse for breakthroughs and impact. Here, our researchers describe the impact of their work, and the consequences if federal support for this cutting-edge research were reduced or eliminated.
Explore the Graduate Alumni Network
A one of a kind community of purpose and potential, the Graduate Alumni Network (GAN) helps provide the alumni support system for the next generation of UC Davis graduate school alumni!
About Walker Hall
Dedicated as the Agricultural Engineering Building in November 1928, the over 90-year-old Walker Hall is one of the oldest buildings at UC Davis. It had been vacant since 2011, but is now bustling with student life again after a complete renovation focused around creating a home for the graduate and postdoctoral scholar community at UC Davis. Additionally, the south promenade provides access to the building’s wings, which have been turned into three general-use classrooms that can seat nearly 400 students collectively.
