Ashley Stokes

Ashley Stokes is the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis, a position she assumed in July 2025. Prior to this, she served as a professor of veterinary large animal clinical sciences and dean of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture’s UT Extension from 2021 to 2024, overseeing a $100 million budget and 1,000 faculty and staff.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in physiological psychology from the University of Alabama, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Ph.D. in cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology from Louisiana State University, and an MBA from Colorado State University.

Ashley Stokes has over 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, with research and professional interests spanning veterinary medicine, cardiovascular physiology, pharmacology, and STEM education outreach. Her leadership has significantly expanded funding for agricultural and youth development programs, including securing $16.5 million for a 4-H center endowment and driving grant awards beyond pre-pandemic levels.

Her work emphasizes institutional transformation, workforce development, and experiential learning. Under her leadership, her team was recognized as Employer of the Year in 2023 by a prominent international administrative organization.

• Inductee, Academy of Veterinary Consultants (2014)
• Employer of the Year (2023) - International Administrative Organization

Stokes has held key roles in academic administration, including associate vice president for engagement and extension, assistant dean for admissions and student success, and interim senior director of CSU Online at Colorado State University. She also served as the sole veterinary extension specialist for Hawaii and several Western Pacific countries during her tenure at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her leadership has been instrumental in building hands-on learning centers and diversifying funding streams for educational programs.

She leads strategic initiatives in agricultural and environmental sciences at UC Davis, focusing on innovation, equity, and sustainability in education and research.