After more than a decade of service to the University of California – and 40 years as an academic and administrator – W.R. “Reg” Gomes has announced that he will be stepping down as UC’s vice president for agriculture and natural resources. He will retire effective next February.

“The University of California is one of the world’s leading research universities and our agricultural and natural resources programs are recognized around the globe for creating scientific breakthroughs, developing new technologies, and delivering practical results to local communities and entrepreneurs,” Gomes said. “I am honored that three UC presidents have placed their trust in me to help guide these world-class programs.”

Gomes, 67, has been vice president for agriculture and natural resources since September 1995, and also is director of the California Agricultural Experiment Station and director of UC Cooperative Extension. As vice president, he provides systemwide leadership for research and extension efforts in agricultural, natural and human resources on three campuses (Berkeley, Davis and Riverside), at nine research and extension centers, and for Cooperative Extension offices serving California’s 58 counties.

“Reg Gomes has provided steady leadership, and been a strong advocate throughout his tenure, for the university’s agricultural, natural and human resources, and related environmental programs. I have truly valued his knowledge, counsel and insights into the research and extension needs of agriculture – California’s leading industry – and his unwavering support for the university’s land grant mission,” UC President Robert C. Dynes said.

Gomes’ plans for the future include continued professional activity with significant time for family and travel.

President Dynes will launch a national search for a successor to Vice President Gomes in the coming weeks and appoint an advisory committee to assist with the search.

# # #