Frank Mitloehner will be the new chair of the University of California-Davis Department of Animal Science, which has the highest undergraduate enrollment in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Ashley M. Stokes, dean of the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, called Mitloehner a distinguished member of the faculty who has had a significant impact in animal agriculture, environmental sustainability and public engagement.
"Frank brings tremendous experience and a strong commitment to the department's teaching, research, extension and outreach missions," she said when announcing his appointment, which takes effect June 1.
Mitloehner said he was deeply honored to lead one of the nation's premier animal science programs.
"This department has long been recognized as a global leader in animal agriculture, research and extension," Mitloehner said. "I look forward to working with our incredible faculty, staff and students, as well as our industry partners, to build on this work and ensure the department continues to be recognized around the world for its leadership in animal science and for solutions that support both agriculture and the environment."
Mitloehner joined UC Davis in 2002 as an assistant extension specialist for air quality. He is the founding director of the CLEAR Center, which stands for Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research. The center focuses on bridging research, community and outreach and works closely with industry to measure and reduce livestock emissions. Recently, he initiated a project to grow corn silage on campus to feed dairy cows and better align their diets with industry standards, bolstering research and sustainability efforts.
Since 2016, he has served as an adjunct professor in the College of Animal Science at Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University in China. He earned his master's degree in animal science and agricultural engineering from the University of Leipzig in Germany and his doctorate in animal science from Texas Tech University.
Mitloehner has also been a speaker at a variety of industry events, including the International Production & Processing Expo, World Pork Expo, Liquid Feed Symposium, Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit and the Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting.
In 2019, he testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry at a hearing titled "Climate Change and the Agriculture Sector."
Mitloehner said he looks forward to listening, learning and engaging broadly across the Department of Animal Science and building on its strengths in the coming months.
With the appointment, Mitloehner replaces Michael Mienaltowski, who served as interim chair of the Department of Animal Science after Anne Todgham was named associate dean of agricultural sciences in October 2025.
