News

A quiet week on campus

This is a quiet week on campus with spring break in full swing. Next week begins the end of semester rush with events and celebrations for the many achievements of students, staff, and faculty.

A group of Biological Systems Engineering department faculty and staff stand together. About 20 or people total.

Spring has to come sometime

Spring has to come sometime, though maybe not this week. Hopefully students, faculty, and staff will find warm temperatures during spring break, or good snowpack if that is preferred.

Close-up of purple crocus. On the ground near them are dead leaves, a ground covering, and a rock border. In the background are trees, bushes, and a building.

Increasing dialogue

I was in Washington, D.C., for a couple of days this week to meet with our federal partners and members. It is fun sharing the good work and impact that results from federal investment in Extension and agriculture research, including competitive grant programs.

The US capitol, with blue skies and clouds behind it.

Busier, longer days

We had a great meeting in Prosser last week with Under Secretary Lester Moffitt. The Prosser faculty did a great job describing their programs and the benefit of the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

A group of seven people stands next to a podium and the American flag.

Partnerships

I learned many things from our faculty as a result of attending the Washington-Oregon Potato Conference.

Two people stand near a sign, one on either side. Behind them are buildings, a road with cars, and a tree. The sign says "Washington State University Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, 1100 North Western Avenue Wenatchee Washington 98801, Established 1937." The WSU logo is on the sign, too.

Back in full swing

Statewide travel this week includes the Washington & Oregon Potato Conference in Kennewick, a visit to Ritzville, and time with the Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center team.

An adult and 15 students stand outside buildings on the WSU Pullman campus. Some of the students hold a large red flag with the WSU logo in front of them.

It’s cold outside

Relief from the frigid temperatures is on the way. In the meantime, I hope everyone is staying warm and enjoying a little bit of sun.

Formal head shot of Luz Maria Gordillo in front of wood paneling.

Acknowledging good work

Departments and program units are gearing up for discussions about the position needs required to achieve our programmatic vision. With the big jump in new enrollees this fall, attention to recruitment across CAHNRS, and Extension and research needs, we need to develop a hiring plan that considers the previously approved faculty positions that have been on hold for a year.

Close-up of pink apples.