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Timeline of UC Davis Extension's History

  • 1891 - The first University of California continuing education class is held in San Francisco.
  • 1893 - The University of California formally creates a continuing education program at UC Berkeley called University Extension.
  • 1960 - University Extension, UC Davis is established. Courses are offered primarily in community issues, teacher education, liberal arts and humanities. Glen Burch is the first director of University Extension, UC Davis.
  • 1962 - Lura Middleton is hired as a Continuing Education Specialist and is instrumental in developing Extension's teacher education programs, which continue to this day.
  • 1964 - Extension programming and administration, which previously had been centralized at Berkeley and Los Angeles, is established at each campus under a director who is responsible for all Extension activities within its service area.
  • 1968 - Then California Gov. Ronald Reagan is the keynote speaker at Extension's first land use conference.
  • 1968-69 - The state Legislature removes all state funding for UC Davis Extension activities at all UC campuses. Extension becomes completely self-supporting, relying on fees, contracts, grants and gifts, along with special state appropriations, for its entire operating budget. Responsibility for Extension operations shifts to the nine individual chancellors. Approximately 10 staff are employed at UC Davis Extension.
  • 1970 - John Mamer is named associate director of UC Davis Extension.
  • 1972 - The Division of Extended Learning is created at UC Davis and Richard C. Dorf is named the first dean. Charles Lacy is hired as a Continuing Education Specialist in Public Administration.
  • 1974 - UC Davis Extension opens an office in Stockton offering education and psychology courses.
  • 1975 - The UC Davis Executive Program is launched at Extension.
  • 1976 - Jim Dolgonas, assistant dean in charge of business operations, plays a key role in helping UC Davis Extension modernize its business systems. Charles Lacy is appointed assistant dean for academic affairs of UC Davis Extension and assumes responsibility for the day-to-day programmatic operations of the department. The Sacramento classroom center was opened at the Downtown Plaza shopping and office complex.
  • 1977 - The International Training and Education Center (ITEC) begins as a small summer program offering English language courses for international students and professionals.
  • 1977-80 - Several instrumental Continuing Education Specialists are hired to shape a number of important programs that comprise today's UC Davis Extension:
    • Joyce Poirot - brought the Center for Human Services Training & Development from California State University, Sacramento
    • Beth Greenwood - helped develop year-round English language programs
    • Jim Lapsley - helped mature UC Davis Extension's agriculture programs
    • Mike McCoy - helped shape the recreation and natural resources programs
    • Connie Roth - developed the nursing program in conjunction with the UC Davis medical school
  • 1980 - James F. Sullivan is named acting dean of UC Davis Extension. He is also UC Davis vice chancellor for business and finance, and is charged with studying the financial situation at UC Davis Extension.
  • 1981 - The Division of Extended Learning is dismantled. James Sullivan becomes dean of UC Davis Extension. Eileen Leung was named Extension's business officer.
  • 1982 - Dennis Pendleton is hired as a Continuing Education Specialist and plays a key role in formulating the overall environmental/natural resources program.
  • 1984 - UC Davis Extension holds the first Political Campaign Management Institute, the West Coast's only nonpartisan campaign training. UC Davis Extension employs a total of 55 people and offers eight certificate programs.
  • 1988 - UC Davis Extension moves to its current location at 1333 Research Park Drive in Davis.
  • 1988 - The Center for Human Services secures first training contract with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services.
  • 1991- Charles Lacy becomes dean of UC Davis Extension.
  • 1992 - Dennis Pendleton becomes associate dean of UC Davis Extension.
  • 1995 - Rita Bunch is hired as marketing director and introduces professional marketing methods to promote UC Davis Extension. Deborah Samii is hired as director of administrative and financial services.
  • 1995 - The Center for Human Services founds the Northern California Children & Family Services Training Academy in partnership with county welfare directors and the California Department of Social Services.
  • 1996 - UC Davis Extension begins holding classes at Sutter Square Galleria in midtown Sacramento.
  • 1997 - Medical Training Center partnership formed with UCDMC.
  • 1999 - UC Davis Extension employs a total of 205 people and offers 26 certificate programs and three professional sequence awards. Rita Bunch becomes assistant dean/chief operating officer of UC Davis Extension. Deborah Samii becomes chief financial officer.
  • 1999 - Research Park facilities expanded to include Da Vinci Court classrooms and offices.
  • 2000 - UC Davis Extension celebrates its 40th anniversary.
  • 2000 – The UNEX Business System (TUBS) goes online.
  • 2001 - Dean Charles Lacy retires.
  • 2001 - Dennis Pendleton becomes dean of UC Davis Extension. Name officially changed from University Extension, UC Davis to UC Davis Extension.