Thomas Forsyth Hunt was a pioneering agricultural educator and dean whose leadership and vision transformed agricultural science, laying the groundwork for modern land-grant university programs and the Davis campus.
Kiyoto “Kay” Uriu was a UC Davis pomology professor and leader in fruit tree nutrition, irrigation, and education whose research and teaching transformed orchard management and student training.
Ray Huffaker was a UC Davis agronomy professor whose research on photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism, mentorship, and leadership shaped plant science.
Shang-Fa Yang was a pioneering UC Davis plant biochemist whose discovery of the ethylene biosynthesis pathway and development of the Yang Cycle transformed plant biology and postharvest agriculture worldwide.
William Henry Chandler was a pioneering horticulturist whose groundbreaking research on plant physiology, dormancy, and nutrition transformed pomology and left a lasting global legacy in fruit and nut production.
Edward J. Wickson was dean of the UC College of Agriculture and editor of Pacific Rural Press, whose writings, field-based teaching, and leadership helped establish UC Davis and advance California agriculture.
Adel A. Kader was a global leader in postharvest biology, transforming produce quality and shelf life. His work at UC Davis, including the Postharvest Technology Center, impacted agriculture worldwide.
Professor Emeritus, Department Chair, Director of Agricultural Field Stations
1887-1974
Ben A. Madson advanced agronomy research, led the Division of Agronomy and UC’s Agricultural Field Stations, taught generations of students, and served Davis through civic leadership and agricultural innovation.
Professor Emeritus of Environmental Horticulture, Department Chair
1920-2012
Richard W. Harris transformed arboriculture through research, teaching, and leadership. His textbook 'Arboriculture' and service to UC Davis shaped generations of tree care professionals.
Andrew Leiser was a professor of environmental horticulture whose research advanced revegetation, erosion control, and woody plant horticulture, while mentoring future leaders in the field.
