Johnson Honored at Special Chancellor's Reception

On Dec. 12, UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May held a reception at the Mondavi Center honoring Distinguished Professor of Law Kevin R. Johnson’s 16+ years as dean of UC Davis School of Law.

May, California Judicial Appointments Secretary Luis Céspedes, Sacramento Mayor and UC Davis Law alumnus Darrell Steinberg '84 and others offered tributes, and Steinberg presented a proclamation from the city of Sacramento. Johnson also received special congressional recognition from Rep. Mike Thompson.  

A faculty member since 1989, Johnson served as dean from 2008-2024, during which time the law school received numerous national accolades for scholarly impact and for its emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion.

View a photo album from the event.

Kevin R. Johnson is a distinguished professor of law, Mabie-Apallas Professor of Public Interest Law, and Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law. Johnson also has an appointment as professor of Chicana/o studies at UC Davis. He served as dean of UC Davis Law from 2008 to 2024. Johnson is an internationally recognized scholar in the fields of immigration law and policy, refugee law, and civil rights.