Mitchel Benson has been named the interim assistant vice chancellor for University Communications.

Benson has led UC Davis media relations as news service director for nearly four years and has a background in journalism as both a California and national reporter for the Wall Street Journal and as a capitol reporter for the San Jose Mercury News. Benson, who has a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, also served as communications director for former State Treasurer Phil Angelides.

Benson replaces Lisa Lapin, who was recently appointed Stanford University's assistant vice president for university communications. Her last day at UC Davis was Sept. 10. At Stanford, Lapin will oversee the Stanford News Service, primary Web sites, parent and neighbor communication programs, and other major campus publications.

Andy Fell, a senior public information representative and science writer in the News Service for the past eight years, will serve as acting News Service director during the leadership transition, which will involve a national search for a permanent assistant vice chancellor for university communications.

Fell has covered biological sciences, physical sciences and engineering research for the campus and has served as the editor of the Egghead blog (egghead.ucdavis.edu). He has a doctorate in parasitology from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.