Across the nation, whereas Latinos comprised twenty percent of the population, only six percent of U.S. lawyers in 2024 were Latino/a/e, representing only a two percent increase in the last decade. And in California — where Latinos/as/es made up thirty-seven percent of the population in 2023 — they represent barely six percent of licensed attorneys, although these figures are changing with Latinos making up eleven percent of newly admitted lawyers. As well, the explosive growth of Latino/a/e students at U.S. colleges and universities in recent decades has not translated into significant representation of Latinos/as/es among the leadership ranks in higher education.

Against this backdrop, Kevin R. Johnson's sixteen-year tenure as dean at a premier Research 1, land-grant, Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) has been transformative — for King Hall, for UC Davis, for the UC system, and for the nation. This Essay provides a broader context for understanding UC Davis as a HSI and elaborate on three qualities of Kevin Johnson’s leadership that exemplify the best of HSI excellence.