Rich Engel, a UC Davis alumnus with a background in external relations, development and outreach, has been named assistant vice chancellor for alumni relations and executive director of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association.

Engel begins his new job April 1. Since 2000, he has served UC Davis in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sci-ences, first as the director of student recruitment and outreach and most recently as the director of college relations.

In his new post, Engel will oversee UC Davis' alumni relations program.

"Throughout his career at UC Davis and beyond, Rich has demonstrated his high ability to build genuine relationships with key constituents, including students, alumni, donors and volunteers alike, providing leadership and sharing his deep understanding of UC Davis' mission along the way," said Beverly "Babs" Sandeen, vice chancellor for University Relations.

In taking the reins of alumni affairs, Engel follows Charles Roddy, who held the post for seven months before leaving in January. In the interim, Janice Corbett, the acting director of marketing and communications for CAAA, undertook the lead role for the association and the office of alumni relations.

Engel has a bachelor's degree in agricultural education and a teaching credential from UC Davis and a master's in education from Sacramento State. As assistant vice chancellor, he will receive an annual salary of $115,585.

— Dateline staff