Denice Denton

Denice Denton was known for being a prominent American electrical engineer and academic administrator. She was the ninth chancellor of the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), serving from 2005 until her death in 2006. Additionally, Denton played a key role in promoting diversity in engineering and science fields.

As chancellor of UCSC, Denice Denton accomplished several notable achievements. She led efforts to increase diversity on campus, including a major outreach program to recruit more students from underrepresented groups. Denton also oversaw significant expansion of the university, including the construction of new academic and research facilities. Additionally, she played an influential role in shaping the UC system's policies on intellectual property.

Denice Denton received her bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1973. She then went on to earn her master's degree and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1977 and 1980, respectively.

Denice Denton tragically took her own life on June 24, 2006, by jumping from a high-rise building in San Francisco. Her death was a shock to the academic community and her colleagues at UCSC.

Denice Denton was a passionate advocate for diversity in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She actively worked to create opportunities and support networks for underrepresented groups, with a particular focus on women and people of color. Denton's efforts involved outreach programs, scholarships, mentorship initiatives, and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment at UCSC and beyond.