Danésha Nichols has been named UC Davis’ next chief ethics and compliance officer, effective Monday (April 20). 

Nichols, who has 22 years of experience at UC Davis, most recently served as director of the Harassment & Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program. While there she handled individual cases and was involved with the creation of the UC Systemwide Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In her new role, she will ensure an appropriate response is made to all reports of perceived acts of illegal discrimination, bias and harassment involving faculty, students and staff. She will also serve as the university’s implementing official for purposes of UC Davis’ whistleblower program and ensure the university meets its legal obligations under Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act.

“Danésha brings a strong record of leadership, integrity and commitment to fostering a culture of accountability and ethical conduct,” Chancellor Gary S. May said. “We are confident that she will build on the important work of the Compliance and Policy unit and continue to strengthen our campus’s dedication to the highest standards of ethics and compliance.”

Nichols earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law.

She will succeed Wendi Delmendo in the chief ethics and compliance officer role; Delmendo plans to retire, and Nichols will move into the role next week to allow time for the two to overlap.