James H. Meyer, 80; Oversaw Major Growth of UC Davis
James H. Meyer, 80, who served as chancellor of UC Davis for 18 years and oversaw the campus’ major growth, died of Alzheimer’s disease Saturday at the University Retirement Community in Davis.
Meyer, former chairman of the department of animal science and dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, served as chancellor from 1969 until his retirement in 1987.
Born in Fenn, Idaho, Meyer grew up on an Idaho livestock and grain-producing ranch. He studied animal husbandry at the University of Idaho, served in the Marines in the Pacific during World War II and received his doctorate in animal nutrition at the University of Wisconsin before joining the staff at UC Davis.
During Meyer’s long tenure as chancellor, the campus evolved from an agricultural college to a major university and research center for human and veterinary medicine.
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