Dwyane Wade Joins UC Davis’ Wine Education Program
Dwyane Wade joins wine writer and Black Wine Professionals founder Julia Coney and viticulturist and recent UC Davis alumnus Miguel Luna, a partner with Silverado Farming Company as newest members of UC Davis’ Executive Leadership Board for the department of Viticulture and Enology.
As the world’s top-ranked research institute for viticulture and enology, the University of California, Davis, is pleased to announce the newest members of its Executive Leadership Board for the department of Viticulture and Enology. The 26-member board is an important and influential advisory group for the department.
New leaders include NBA legend and entrepreneur Dwyane Wade with Wade Cellars, wine writer and Black Wine Professionals founder Julia Coney and viticulturist and recent UC Davis alumnus Miguel Luna, a partner with Silverado Farming Company. “All of our new board leaders have really unique skills to help the department achieve our strategic goals,” said David Block, professor and chair of the Viticulture and Enology department.
“They bring excellent communication skills, a passion for diversifying the industry and making sure students receive a great education and fulfilling career, and a passion for wine. Past and current members will help us to reach even a higher level of teaching, research and continuing education for the industry.”
Image courtesy of UC Davis, Department of Viticulture and Enology
The Executive Leadership Board is composed of invited industry leaders, educators, wine appreciators and selected colleagues to lend expert counsel and assistance to the department in setting and accomplishing its long-range goals. These goals include strengthening relationships with the wine and grape industries, increasing industry investment in research, building strong relationships with alumni and strengthening the department’s teaching program.
The department also continues its commitment to help increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the wine industry. In 2012, the department of Viticulture and Enology established the Broadening Horizons project, which aims to increase the percentage of underrepresented students pursuing careers in all parts of the grape and wine industry. As a result of those efforts, the percentage of underrepresented students enrolled has increased from less than 10% to more than 25%.
