Furlow

J. David Furlow, a professor of neurobiology, physiology and behavior, has been named associate dean for Undergraduate Education and director of the University Honors Program.

His duties also include coordinating the First-Year Seminar Program and working with the Undergraduate Research Center director to build programs and practices that support the active participation of undergraduates across campus in faculty-led research projects.

Furlow joined the UC Davis faculty in 1998. “He has established a record of commitment to undergraduate instruction, both in the classroom and in the laboratory,” said Carolyn Thomas, vice provost and dean of Undergraduate Education, who announced the appointment.

Furlow’s experience with universitywide honors programs dates back to participation in the University Scholars Program at Pennsylvania State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He earned his doctorate in biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

His appointment as associate dean began Aug. 17 and last for three years at 75 percent. His post supplants one that gave Undergraduate Education an associate vice provost for honors for two years until that position expired July 31.

•••

Hopmans

Professor Jan Hopmans has returned to the executive ranks of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, as associate dean for International Programs.

He succeeds Cooperative Extension rice specialist emeritus Jim Hill, who had held the position since its was established in 2005.

Hopmans, a soil hydrologist, is a former chair of the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources.

He was the CA&ES associate dean for environmental and human/social sciences from 2009 to 2014. For much of this year, he served as interim associate vice provost of Global Affairs, filling in for Adrienne Martín while she served as interim vice provost.

On Sept. 1, Joanna Regulska stepped in as the new vice provost, Martin resumed her position as associate vice provost and Hopmans rejoined the CA&ES leadership team. His appointment as associate dean for International Programs is for five years, and his goals include improved campus partnerships for international activities, and moving into new, unexplored areas.

A faculty member since 1988, Hopmans received a master’s degree in hydrology from Wageningen Agricultural University in the Netherlands and a Ph.D. in soil physics from Auburn University.

•••

Smail

The Cross Cultural Center begins the new academic year with a new director: Bruce Smail. The Division of Student Affairs made the appointment after a national search.

He comes to UC Davis from Rochester, N.Y., where he served as the executive director of the MOCHA Center, which works to improve the health and wellness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual communities of color.

Smail brings 25 years’ combined experience in higher education, nonprofit management, business and secondary education to his new position. For 19 of those years, he engaged in diversity, social justice and advocacy issues for various communities.

“Throughout the interview process, I noticed a strong commitment on campus to social justice and identity intersectionality,” Smail said. “It is what excited me the most about UC Davis, the Division of Student Affairs and the Cross Cultural Center. The history of activism and the level of sacrifice students took in a hunger strike to ultimately create the Cross Cultural Center are indicative of the UC Davis experience. I look forward to leading the Cross Cultural Center and elevating it to national recognition.”

Follow Dateline UC Davis on Twitter.