He assumes up his new position on June 1.

"It is a great honor to have the opportunity to come to UC Davis' Mondavi Center, which in just four seasons has established itself as a leader locally, regionally and nationally," Roth said. "The arts are powerful agents in creating individual and community lives with meaning. I believe the Mondavi Center, with its research-university foundation, its excellent facilities, and its location in a vibrant and growing region, can bring that power to a broad constituency on campus and throughout the region."

The $57 million center includes an 1,800-seat hall and a 250-seat studio theater. The most recent season included performances by Cecilia Bartoli, Itzhak Perlman, Sonny Rollins, and the London Philharmonic.