College of Letters and Science Appoints Kathryn Olmsted as New Associate Dean

Kathryn Olmsted, a professor in the Department of History at UC Davis, has been named associate dean of the faculty in the social sciences in the College of Letters and Science.

“We are proud to welcome Professor Olmsted to our executive leadership team,” said Estella Atekwana, dean of the College of Letters and Science. “She has long been a leader who has exemplified our values and excellence for her entire career at UC Davis. She will help us to achieve our high ambitions for our faculty and our students.”

Olmsted is a leading researcher on U.S. history. She has written several books and many chapters and articles on U.S. history from World War I to the present. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post and many other publications.

Her books include Real Enemies: Conspiracy Theories and American Democracy and Right Out of California: The 1930s and the Big Business Roots of Modern Conservatism. Her most recent book, The Newspaper Axis: Six Press Barons Who Enabled Hitler, was awarded the 2023 Sperber Prize from Fordham University.

Olmsted also has broad academic leadership experience. She has served as chair of the Department of History and of the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies. Olmsted received her doctorate in history at UC Davis and her bachelor's degree in history at Stanford University.

As associate dean, Olmsted will provide oversight of academic personnel and faculty affairs for all departments in the social sciences. Her appointment follows a brief vacancy after Distinguished Professor of Political Science John Scott was promoted to executive associate dean of the College.

Olmsted’s appointment comes at a time when the College is increasing its investments in faculty support. This includes new faculty mentoring programs as well as grant funding to jumpstart new research. These investments, said Atekwana, strengthen the College’s foundation of excellence.

“Professor Olmsted will help us to accelerate our efforts to make sure our investments in faculty are targeted and have the greatest impact, both within their field as researchers and as teachers and mentors for our students,” said Atekwana.