Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to 2020.  Fifteen years in, Merced is fulfilling the mission of a public land-grant university.  Through our research, teaching, and public service, we improve educational, health, economic, and environmental conditions for our region, state, and the world at large, and we help build traditions of public service and civic engagement that will help sustain our republic into the indefinite future.  We’ve been noticed for our commitment to this mission, having been recognized in many national forums for our academic and research excellence, for both teaching and practicing environmental sustainability, and for facilitating economic mobility for our graduates. 

We have another exciting year ahead of us, as we celebrate the completion of the Merced 2020 Project and all that the new spaces will bring to campus, gear up for the largest spring commencement exercises in our history, and continue to build the UC Merced community.

We are pleased to introduce this edition of our quarterly publication, Inside UC Merced. You will be introduced to a new cohort of leaders in both academics and administration; take a virtual tour of some of the premier facilities that are part of Merced 2020; and read about some of our latest research. You also will see the faces of our graduates and their families from the December commencement ceremonies and be reminded why we are all here — to provide opportunities for California’s young people to build a brighter future.

These stories collectively portray UC Merced in a fashion that goes beyond rankings and statistics by presenting some details about the dedicated, passionate, hardworking and brilliant faculty and staff who make up this community. We hope these stories inspire you and that you will share this edition within your personal networks as well.

Again, welcome back to UC Merced and welcome to the new year. And thank you for your dedication and excellent work.

Gregg Camfield, Ph.D.

Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

Michael Riley, CPA

Interim Vice Chancellor, Chief Financial Officer

Division of Finance and Administration