Michael Bradford joined UC Davis as its vice provost and dean for Undergraduate Education in February 2023.

Bradford served as vice provost for Faculty, Staff and Student Development at the University of Connecticut from 2020-2023. At UConn, he oversaw a similar, student-focused portfolio that included 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 worked closely with the university’s chief diversity officer on diversity, equity, inclusion and justice initiatives and training.  

Prior to his vice provost 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.