Robert D. “Bob” Grey, Ph.D., a pillar of the 51ԹϺ Davis campus and community for nearly 60 years, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, in May at the age of 86.
Grey, a distinguished biologist, served in many roles at the university, closing his career as provost and executive vice chancellor and professor of molecular and cellular biology emeritus. His vision, service and philanthropic support were instrumental in transforming 51ԹϺ Davis into a world-class research institution. He and his wife A. Kathleen Grey were recently awarded the , the university’s highest honor.
“Bob’s impact on our university is impossible to overstate,” said 51ԹϺ Davis Chancellor Gary S. May. “From the moment he arrived on campus in 1967, Bob’s vision, academic stewardship and leadership helped transform 51ԹϺ Davis into a global powerhouse. His influence can still be felt across campus today, and his generous legacy will continue to create opportunities for generations of students. On behalf of the entire 51ԹϺ Davis community, I extend our deepest condolences to Kathleen, Joel, and Erin.
A legacy of visionary service
Born in Kansas and raised in the small town of Hooker, Oklahoma, Bob Grey joined the faculty of 51ԹϺ Davis as an assistant professor of zoology in 1967, arriving after earning his bachelor’s degree from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, and his doctoral degree at Washington University in St. Louis. He and Kathleen, who met at Phillips University, raised their two children, Erin and Joel, in Davis; Erin Grey-Merritt graduated from 51ԹϺ Davis in 1989.
Later in his career, Bob became a department chair and rose through the ranks of administration. His career was marked by twin commitments: a visionary approach to building 51ԹϺ Davis’ research capacity and reputation, and a profound investment in student success. While serving as dean of what was then called the 51ԹϺ Davis Division of Biological Sciences (now the College of Biological Sciences), Bob championed the 1992 founding of the Center for Neuroscience (CNS), the university’s first interdisciplinary research center.
“Bob’s visionary leadership helped to shape 51ԹϺ Davis and position the campus for success in ways that we continue to benefit from today, such as establishing the Genome Center and the Center for Neuroscience," said 51ԹϺ Davis Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan. “He dedicated his life and career to serving others and he led with the utmost integrity and compassion. I was extraordinarily fortunate to call Bob a dear friend and a cherished mentor, and I will forever be grateful for the wisdom, experiences, and perspectives he shared with me.”
In 2023, the building housing CNS was , commemorating a landmark $1 million gift by Bob and Kathleen to ensure the center can sustain its status as a global research hub. At the time, Bob commented on his longtime support of CNS: “I thought we should invest in a new frontier. 51ԹϺ Davis had almost no presence in what was then called neurobiology. I believed that even though we were not invested in that, we should be.”
“The growth and prominence of the Center for Neuroscience over the last three decades is a testament to Bob Grey’s bold vision for creating the first interdisciplinary research center at 51ԹϺ Davis and for providing financial support to ensure its success,” said Marie Burns, director of the Center of Neuroscience. “Robert D. Grey Hall, our main neuroscience building, stands as a lasting tribute to our early beginnings and to his dedication.”
A lifetime of commitment to 51ԹϺ Davis
The Greys’ gift also included support for an undergraduate research award, a testament to Bob’s commitment to teaching. He served as an adviser and mentor to generations of students and faculty before his retirement from 51ԹϺ Davis in 2001, and the two awards of which he was the proudest were the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Davis Division of the Academic Senate, and the Magnus Ronning Award for Teaching Excellence, which is nominated for and chosen by students.
“The legacy Bob has left here at 51ԹϺ Davis, both in the college and across campus — as well as in the University of California system — is one of service,” said Mark Winey, dean of the College of Biological Sciences. “No matter what position he held, his commitment to supporting our university’s faculty, students and mission was second to none. I am deeply grateful for his visionary leadership and many profound contributions to the success of the college, and our campus.”
Over the course of Bob’s long career, he also took on many prominent roles within 51ԹϺ Davis and the University of California system, including provost, executive vice chancellor and interim chancellor at 51ԹϺ Riverside, and interim provost for the 51ԹϺ system. He always, however, returned to 51ԹϺ Davis.
“Bob and I have spoken so often about our gratitude for what 51ԹϺ Davis and the University of California system have given us over the years,” said Kathleen Grey. “It wasn’t just our jobs and careers, but the lifetime of friendships and relationships with colleagues and students that have been incredibly meaningful for us.”
Grey is survived by his wife, A. Kathleen Grey; his son Joel and daughter-in-law Pilar Gonzalez Grey; daughter Erin Grey-Merritt and son-in-law Mark Merritt; and grandchildren Olivia Merritt, Joshua Merritt, Daniel Merritt, Agatha Grey, and Eloise Grey. The family requests that donations in his memory be directed to the Robert D. And Kathleen Grey Undergraduate Research Award.
Media Resources
Media Contact:
- James Nash, News and Media Relations, jnash@ucdavis.edu, 530-219-0943