Darren Haver, Ph.D., has been appointed as the Interim Associate Vice President of Research and Cooperative Extension at UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), following the departure of AVP Hales. The announcement was made by Glenda Humiston, Vice President of UC ANR.
The organization stated that its main objective during this period is to maintain support for staff, programs, and partners, ensuring continuity in research and Cooperative Extension activities. “Our primary goal during this transition is to support our people, programs and partners by ensuring continuity and smooth workflows in support of our research and Cooperative Extension mission. Darren was identified for this role based on his deep institutional knowledge, steady leadership, and long-standing service to UC ANR across multiple levels of the organization. He brings 25 years of UC ANR knowledge and experience to this role and is a skilled and trusted colleague,” said Humiston.
Haver began his career at UC Riverside before joining UC ANR in 2001 as a water quality program representative. He became a UC Cooperative Extension Advisor in 2003 with a focus on water resources, water quality, and watershed management. In 2009, he was named Director of the South Coast Research and Extension Center while also serving as UCCE Orange County Director for nine years. Since 2018, Haver has held several leadership positions within the Research and Extension Center System, becoming REC System Executive Director in 2023.
According to the announcement, Haver has worked closely with statewide programs, institutes, central administrative offices at UC ANR, served on Program Council, various program teams, and participated in many division-wide committees.
Haver holds a Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and earned his Ph.D. in plant physiology from the University of California, Riverside.
“We will be working to identify interim backfill for his REC system leadership duties. In the meantime, initiatives underway will continue as usual under Darren’s guidance,” Humiston added.
“Please join me in welcoming Darren to this new role. We are grateful for his willingness to serve and are confident in his ability to guide UC ANR thoughtfully and effectively through this transition,” she said.