There is remarkable momentum in our college this spring for our peers and visitors, our alumni, and our partners in industry. Over the past two weeks alone, I have participated in countless conversations that have illuminated the strength of our programs, the breadth of new opportunities before us, and quite literally what we bring to the table. The energy surrounding our work is real, and it reflects both the quality of our people and the relevance of what we do.
First, a quick update on the budget. The legislature passed the state budget March 12, triggering a twenty‑working‑day review period for the governor. Come mid-April, we should know what the state’s budget looks like. A clear picture of the CAHNRS budget will follow. President Cantwell has asked us to continue planning across scenarios, thinking in terms of 3%, 5%, or 10% reductions. As soon as additional information becomes available, I will share updates promptly and transparently.
As a member of the WSU Systemwide Co-Design Council, I’ve taken part in multiple sessions informing the future of our university. This includes interviews with stakeholders, particularly those in industry, to gain their input. Our next council workshop is April 9-10 in the Tri-Cities. President Cantwell is organizing listening sessions across the state and envisions having an “Action Plan” ready by June, positioning WSU for the next several years.
I visited the Department of Entomology March 23 to learn about the faculty’s unique research, teaching, and Extension programming. We visited the WSU bee lab and the M.T. James Entomological Collection, where Assistant Professor Elizabeth Murray curates more than 3 million specimens. Thanks to donors Terry and Faye Whitworth, a new on-rails storage system will add much-needed capacity to the largest insect museum in the state of Washington. Professor Jeb Owen also shared his collaborative research on mosquitos, a vector for deadly diseases throughout the world.
I met faculty members of the State of Washington Water Research Center and learned about their accomplishments and impact across our state over the past sixty years. These transdisciplinary scientists from numerous units across our university are the link between public research and the agencies and industries that regulate our water resources.
CAHNRS celebrated National Ag Day March 24 at the CUB. Ice cream and cheese from Ferdinand’s were big draws, as was the opportunity to hold a nine-year-old tarantula brought by Professor Rich Zack and other members of the Department of Entomology. I spoke with multiple students at this event and held the tarantula for a short while as well!
It was a great pleasure to join Doug Thomas, WSU alumnus and CEO and president of Bellingham Cold Storage, for a guest lecture on leadership with our food systems class led by Dr. Holly Henning. I had another great conversation with Eric Bastian and Minto Michael of Dairy West during their visit to the School of Food Science. I am looking forward to exploring collaborative opportunities with the four-state regional dairy organization—Dairy West.
In monthly conversations with Dr. Tara McHugh, Pacific West Area director for USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, we discussed plans for a fall ribbon cutting at the new USDA-ARS Plant Biosciences Building. I met with ARS Administrator Dr. Joon Park, who is excited and looking forward to joining us in Pullman and is also open to strengthening our existing partnerships.
I’m excited to share a new student engagement activity being developed by CAHNRS and the Carson College of Business: the Farm to Table program. Students will be able to grow, cook, and serve delicious WSU-origin foods on campus in and around Ensminger Pavilion, gaining experience in the entire business ecosystem. The program will also create a novel opportunity to recruit and retain students.
I met with Deborah Compeau, the Phyllis J. Campbell Endowed Dean, and Carson colleagues on ways to work together. The vision is to launch events in the beautiful pollinator garden at Ensminger Pavilion—which incidentally will receive a much-needed new HVAC system thanks to $1.5 million in support from the State of Washington.
Having attended the WSU Fulbright Academy’s Lunch and Learn event March 30, I encourage all students and faculty to seek Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards. A Fulbright isn’t just a much-sought-after honor: It provides resources that enable a life-changing experience.
I had the honor of addressing the CAHNRS Ambassadors, listening to their perspectives, and answering their questions. This engaging group of students does incredible service in representing our college to visitors and assisting with events.
I am pleased to welcome Dr. Sieg Snapp, who joined us on April 1 as the new associate dean for research. Please welcome her as she visits our centers and units in her role of leading discovery in CAHNRS. We are in the midst of a search process to hire a CAHNRS Director of Strategic Initiatives. This new role will help implement the dean’s vision for CAHNRS, working closely with chairs and directors, our Research and Extension Centers’ leadership, and WSU Extension.
Finally, I had the pleasure of greeting more than 100 FFA members taking part in the Agronomy Career Event at Pullman. This was an excellent opportunity to share who we are and encourage these energetic learners to be part of CAHNRS. I look forward to the 96th annual Washington FFA Convention and Expo, May 14-16 at Pullman.
Kudos Corner
Congratulations to Sahlin Faculty Excellence Award recipient Allan Felsot, professor in the School of the Environment, and the sixteen CAHNRS faculty members receiving tenure and promotion, all honored at the WSU Showcase Celebrating Excellence Banquet.
Kudos to seven CAHNRS students receiving scholarships and awards from the Graduate School: Jenna Thompson, Kristi Morrison, Sheersa Manna, Fnu Sahil, Kellen Pautzke, Aniket Lnu, and Vincent James.