College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences

The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) leads Washington State University’s land grant mission to serve all people through education, research, and service.

Our work supports healthy communities, sustains the economy and the environment, and continually advances the science and practice of agriculture, helping feed a growing world populace.

CAHNRS 2026 State of the College address.

Our Focus

Academics

With 22 majors, 19 minors, and 27 graduate programs, CAHNRS is one of the largest and most innovative colleges at WSU.

Research

Our college accounts for close to 37% of all WSU extramural spending. In fiscal year 2025, CAHNRS spent more than $114 million in extramural funding.

Extension

Engaging people, organizations, and communities to advance knowledge, economic well-being, and quality of life by fostering inquiry, learning, and the application of research.

Latest News

Biocultural families: Study centers Indigenous priorities in modeling connections between Mi’kmaq Nation and their environment

August 6, 2026

Horticulturist Jeffrey Wall partnered with members of the Mi’kmaq Nation to create a new, Indigenous-centered model of the culture-supporting connections linking humans, plants, animals, and the environment.

Washington households continue to face food insecurity, survey finds

August 3, 2026

WSU researcher assists on survey that finds Washington households grappling with multiple sustained concerns.

Partnership takes center stage as WSU Extension showcases The Giving Grid at national conference

July 29, 2026

Leaders from WSU Extension’s Community and Economic Development unit and nonprofit Partners for Rural Washington showcased The Giving Grid, a collaborative project bringing sustainable energy and long-term savings to dozens of Washington’s rural schools.

More news

From the Ground Up

“From the Ground Up” is a bi-weekly blog from Raj Khosla, the Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean, showcasing the statewide initiatives, scholarly achievements, and community partnerships led by WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.

We invite readers to subscribe to stay apprised of our college’s latest contributions to advancing knowledge, supporting communities, and shaping future leaders.

Subscribe

WSU human development professor recognized with prestigious industry award

Debbie Handy was one of three individuals selected for the 2026 American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Distinguished Service Award. Representing the organization’s top honor, the Distinguished Service Award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the field at the local, state, and national level, including involvement in grant writing and student leadership. Handy […]

The brightest stars of CAHNRS: 2026 Faculty and Staff Award winners

Two WSU Extension teams and 13 individuals were recognized as top teachers, advisors, researchers, Extension experts, and team members working at high levels of excellence in CAHNRS.

WSU plant pathologist awarded professional society medal

Lindsey du Toit, chair of WSU’s Department of Plant Pathology, was recently recognized with the prestigious Christiaan Hendrik Persoon Medal for her global contributions to the field. She is only the second female scientist to receive the medal, the highest honor of the Southern African Society for Plant Pathology.

Awards recognize Priya Basu’s pollinator research

Congratulations to Priya Chakrabarti Basu, Assistant Professor of Pollinator Health and Apiculture, for two recent awards honoring her research on pollinators.

Michelle Moyer honored with wine industry award

WSU Viticulture Professor and Extension Specialist Michelle Moyer recently received the Walter Clore Award from the Washington State Grape Society. Open to all Washington grape growers and wine industry members, the award recognizes individuals who are actively involved in WSGS and have consistently provided service to their community and the state’s grape industry.

Ashley Hall receives award for impactful prevention work with communities, youth

Ashley Hall recently received the Prevention Award of Excellence from the Washington State Healthcare Authority’s Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery for her substance abuse prevention and mental health promotion work. Hall, a WSU Extension 4-H associate professor, is especially passionate about her firearm injury prevention work and her involvement with the 4-H Teens Helping […]

Diane Smith and Skagit Team Win National Food Waste Reduction Award

Diane and the Skagit Food Waste Prevention Team received the Third Place National Award for Excellence in Teamwork for their consumer-focused food waste reduction campaign, From Farm to Table, Not to Trash: A Community Approach to Reducing Food Waste.

Margaret Viebrock Recognized for 55 Years Service

Margaret was honored for her 55 years of dedicated service to the profession, marked by innovative programming, exceptional leadership, successful grant development, and numerous awards. Her contributions exemplify her deep commitment to NEAFCS and the field of Family and Consumer Sciences.

The CAHNRS Difference

$1M+ Scholarship dollars awarded annually to more than 450 students.

$114 Million in extramural funding in fiscal year 2025.

300k Extension volunteer hours served annually.

CAHNRS For All: Access, Opportunity, Belonging.

Our commitment to expanding access

CAHNRS is dedicated to creating and maintaining academic excellence, as well as an equal opportunity learning and working environment for students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Learn more about our commitment to expanding access.