The American Dream as both idea and ideal, for all its complications, has had an undeniably powerful role in shaping values and aspirations in the U.S. and far beyond its borders. We spoke with faculty and students in the College of Letters and Science at UC Davis who represent a wealth of knowledge and perspectives that help us think about American society’s past, present and continuing potential. 

Kathryn Olmsted, a professor in the Department of History at UC Davis, has been named associate dean of the faculty in the social sciences in the College of Letters and Science. As associate dean, Olmsted will provide oversight of academic personnel and faculty affairs for all departments in the social sciences.