5 Years of Service and Leadership
Since the start of his journey as UC Davis’ seventh chancellor, Gary S. May has positively impacted the university community. Under his leadership, the university has advanced student success, diversity, growth, research and partnerships. This 2023 gallery captures key moments during the first five years of his tenure.
Listening First
Before his first official day, Chancellor May met with and listened to the campus community, an approach he still practices today. In several events and meetings, Chancellor May heard from students, staff and faculty who shared their hopes and aspirations for the future of UC Davis.
Moving Day
Chancellor May and his family moved from Atlanta and began to settle into their new home in Davis, marking the start of his impactful time in California’s College Town.
Thank You, Mom
Chancellor May introduced his university goals and commitment to “awaken the sleeping giant” to amplify pioneering research, growth and student success at his investiture ceremony. In his remarks, he thanked his tight-knit family for their endless support and paid tribute to his mom, who was in attendance: “Thank you for all those nights you spent helping me with my homework, after spending the whole day in school, teaching other kids. ... Thank you for believing in me.”
To Boldly Go
“Be Bold” is Chancellor May’s mantra in leadership and is largely reflected in his “To Boldly Go” 10-year strategic plan, which lays the groundwork and priorities for the university. Chancellor May hosted several collaborative strategy sessions with leaders, staff, faculty and students, who helped build long-term goals and strategies for the university.
Acts of Service in All We Do
Never one to shy away from meeting students, Chancellor May and his wife, LeShelle, have helped incoming students move into their dorms every year. Families are always surprised to learn it’s Chancellor May who is unloading boxes from cars into dorm buildings. It’s a time for Chancellor May and LeShelle to welcome families and interact with students, and marks the start of exploring the campus and resources as an Aggie.
A Bold Idea Breaks Ground
Working with the city of Sacramento and community partners, Chancellor May and a team at UC Davis and UC Davis Health celebrated the launch of Aggie Square, a new addition to UC Davis’ Sacramento campus. Aggie Square is an innovation district where students, startups, businesses and community partners will come together to learn and create, bringing economic opportunity to the region for generations to come. Doors will open in 2024.
Supporting the Whole Student Is Top Priority
Chancellor May listened to students voice their needs for basic resources and services for food, housing, financial security and mental health. One of his priorities was to fund and launch programs so all students can succeed at UC Davis. As a result, the Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center was launched to ensure that every student has safe, secure housing, access to healthy food, and financial stability that will help them throughout their journey as a student and in life.
Athletics Creates a ‘Front Door’ to Opportunity
Chancellor May is often found cheering on UC Davis athletes on and off the field. A strong supporter of student-athletes and their futures, he has championed career readiness programs and serves on the Big West Conference board of directors.
Research Advances the Future
As one of the leading universities in the country, advancing research that improves lives and environmental outcomes remains at the center of the university’s mission. Under Chancellor May’s leadership, the university has eclipsed $1 billion annually in research funding and has more than 1,500 patents on record.
Keeping Davis Healthy, Together
As the COVID-19 pandemic crisis unfolded, researchers, administrators, students and staff at UC Davis worked with the city of Davis, private industry, donors and health and research partners to create a national response model making testing for students and the entire community accessible and free to all.
Campus Growth Committed to Student Success
Chancellor May always says “the sign of a healthy campus is one that is under construction.” In the last five years, the Davis campus has expanded with many new facilities dedicated to hands-on learning for students, including California Hall, the Teaching and Learning Complex, the Graduate Center at Walker Hall, the Dianne Bryant Engineering Student Design Center and several new housing complexes.
Candid Conversations
Creating connections is a big part of Chancellor May’s leadership style. His weekly Thursday Thoughts video post with LeShelle is a casual chance to engage with the community’s questions and to have a little fun. Chancellor May likes to elevate others on his show, Face to Face With Chancellor May, where he talks to UC Davis community members who are making a positive impact in the world.
The Future of UC Davis
Chancellor May’s vision for the future of UC Davis remains bright and committed to supporting students, advancing research and making an economic impact in the region and beyond.