Montezuma County native Glenda Humiston has been tapped by University of California President Janet Napolitano to serve as vice president of the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Humiston is currently the California state director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, a position she’s held for the past six years.
“Glenda Humiston is a great fit for the UC system at a time when drought has heightened the importance of sustainable agricultural practices,” Napolitano stated in a news release. “She is a knowledgeable, thoughtful and action-oriented leader who will expand the impact of an agriculture and natural resources division whose reach already extends across the globe.”
Humiston has 25 years of experience working on agriculture, natural resources, sustainability and economic development in rural communities. President Barack Obama appointed her to her current position in 2009.
Humiston, who earned her doctorate in Environmental Science, Policy and Management at UC Berkeley, served President Bill Clinton as deputy undersecretary for natural resources and environment at USDA.
She managed the Sustainable Development Institute at the 2002 World Summit for Sustainable Development in South Africa, as well as the World Water Forum in Mexico City in 2006. Early in her career, she served in the Peace Corps in Tunisia.
“I am thrilled to join UC’s work on the ground linking world-class research with local know-how to elevate rural economies and boost agricultural production,” Humiston said. “Together we can work to provide innovative science-based solutions to farmers and deliver healthier food systems and healthier environments for all Californians.”
The ANR head oversees 1,350 people working in 60 county offices, nine research and extension centers, and three administrative centers. The position became vacant upon the retirement of Barbara Allen-Diaz, the former vice president, on June 30.
The UC Board of Regents will vote on the terms of the appointment at its July 21-23 meeting.
Humiston graduated from Mancos High School in 1977 and earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Colorado State University; a master’s in International Agricultural Development from UC Davis; and a doctorate in environmental science and policy management from UC Berkeley.