Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan announced today the appointment of Michael Bradford as vice provost and dean for Undergraduate Education. He joins UC Davis from the University of Connecticut, where he has served as the vice provost for Faculty, Staff and Student Development since 2020. Bradford starts February 21.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Michael is joining us at UC Davis,” Croughan said. “He is the dynamic, thoughtful and visionary leader we need for this incredibly important role. Michael’s passion for creating an environment for exceptional undergraduate experiences for all students makes him an incredible asset to our team and to this university.”

In his current position, Bradford oversees a similar, student-focused portfolio that includes UConn’s Institute for Student Success, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, University Advising, Student Athlete Success Program, Honors and Enrichment, Career Development and Veteran Affairs. He also works closely with the university’s chief diversity officer on diversity, equity, inclusion and justice initiatives and training.

“I am deeply honored to be joining a university with such a long history of providing students with a world class education,” Bradford said. "From Chancellor May to Provost Croughan to the colleagues I will be working closely with, everyone is passionate about transforming the lives of every student at UC Davis.”

Bradford will take over for John Marx, professor of English and faculty advisor for Aggie Square, who is currently serving as interim vice provost and dean for Undergraduate Education.

“My sincere thanks to John for his outstanding work in this very important role as we continued our national search,” Croughan said.

Prior to his current position, Bradford was UConn’s department head of Dramatic Arts from 2017 to 2020 and director of the university’s Theatre Studies from 2010 to 2016. He joined UConn as an assistant professor of Dramatic Arts in 2000. Bradford is a military veteran with 10 years of service in the U.S. Navy.

An award-winning director, producer and playwright, Bradford has staged plays across the world, from New York City to the United Kingdom, Romania and Spain. He is a 20-year member of the Dramatists Guild of America and treasurer of the University Resident Theatre Association board.

Bradford earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies with an emphasis in English literature from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Fine Arts in playwriting from Brooklyn College, the City University of New York.