Volunteer Leadership

shaun keister smiling
Shaun B. Keister

Dear Volunteer Leaders:

Thank you for your commitment and dedicated leadership on behalf of UC Davis. Volunteers like you have been critical to our university’s advancement and remain integral to our continued growth as we look forward to the future.

Together with those who share our vision for a better world, we are redefining expectations for what a great public research university can achieve. Your volunteer leadership is key to propelling our core strengths to new heights—inspiring bigger ideas, bolder solutions and a brighter future for the planet we all call home.

We are grateful for your generous investment of time, energy and resources in shaping the future of UC Davis—which, in turn, will shape a brighter future for our world. Thank you for joining us in meeting that future—we look forward to our work together. 

Sincerely,

Signature of Shaun Kristen in cursive handwriting.

Shaun B. Keister, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor, Development and Alumni Relations
President, UC Davis Foundation

Event poster graphic: with text Volunteer Leadership Summit Thursday, October 8, 2026 UC Davis Conference Center over palm trees and red phone booth

Volunteer Leadership Summit 2026

Through dynamic presentations, panel discussions and facilitated conversations, you’ll deepen your knowledge of the university’s priorities and see how your leadership plays a vital role in shaping UC Davis’ future.
Event Details and RSVP
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Volunteer Leadership Handbook

This document shares best practices and answers the most common volunteer questions.
Download the handbook
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Case statements

UC Davis is poised to lead the way, in partnership with donors and friends who share our vision. Download case statements to learn more and share how UC Davis is going beyond the expected.
Access the case statements
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Volunteer Resources

Talking points and key facts you can share to help those in your networks understand why a world-class public research university like UC Davis matters.
Download Resources
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The 2025 UC Davis Annual Report

Donor enthusiasm has only continued to grow at UC Davis following the conclusion of its record-setting Expect Greater: From UC Davis, For the World campaign in June 2024. In fiscal year 2024–25, UC Davis achieved its second-highest fundraising total ever, raising $317,898,809 from 55,028 gifts made by 29,047 donors and surpassing its annual goal by more than $82 million.
View the report

Contact Us

Kristen Tinson 
Senior Director of Volunteer Engagement
530-754-2092
[email protected]

Lindsey Douros
Assistant Director of Volunteer Engagement
530-752-8331
[email protected]