As we commence our new academic year at WSU, I am energized by the momentum building across CAHNRS. Our campuses have come alive with the arrival of thousands of students, each bringing their own aspirations, talents, and potential. Over the past weeks, I have had the privilege of participating in events that remind me why our land-grant mission matters so deeply: It creates opportunities, fosters belonging, and prepares the next generation of leaders.
The WSU Week of Welcome, held August 15-23, embodied that spirit. More than 2,000 students gathered for the Ice Cream Social at the Brelsford Visitor Center, where I joined fellow deans and leadership volunteers in welcoming our newest Cougs. I was equally inspired to see Ensminger Pavilion filled with CAHNRS students during our Academic College Kickoff and to experience the excitement and optimism that filled Beasley Coliseum during WSU Convocation. The energy was unmistakable. It reflected the promise of a new academic year and the strength of a community committed to helping students thrive.
I am pleased to share a new Dean’s Welcome Video highlighting the vital role our students play in advancing the CAHNRS mission and showcasing the exceptional opportunities available to them. We are also developing a Dean’s Year in Review video, to be released this fall, which will reflect on the people, partnerships, and accomplishments that have shaped the past year.
I want to extend a warm welcome to the newest members of our faculty. This year, thirteen talented scholars joined CAHNRS, representing the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences; the Department of Animal Sciences; Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources; the Department of Horticulture; the Department of Plant Pathology; the Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles; the School of the Environment; the School of Economic Sciences; and the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. Their expertise will strengthen our teaching, research, Extension, and outreach missions for years to come. To support our faculty’s success, we hosted a comprehensive orientation program on August 18 that introduced the many resources, partnerships, and opportunities available throughout our college.
One of the most inspiring moments of last month was attending the Auction of Washington Wines Gala. Accompanied by my wife, Reena, I joined WSU President Betsy Cantwell, Executive Engagement and Operations Coordinator Rachel Petrone, Department of Viticulture and Enology Founding Chair Jean Dodson Peterson, and numerous colleagues in celebrating the extraordinary generosity of the Washington wine community. The evening provided an opportunity to connect with longstanding supporters of our viticulture and enology programs, including members of the Wyckoff family, whose partnership continues to strengthen the future of the industry. The event raised more than $4 million in support of Seattle Children’s Hospital, WSU’s Department of Viticulture and Enology, and Vital Wines. It was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when philanthropy, innovation, and shared purpose come together.
Looking toward the future, CAHNRS has begun exploring the formation of a new academic school that would bring together the Departments of Crop and Soil Sciences, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, and Entomology, as well as the Institute of Biological Chemistry. College leadership recently introduced this concept during departmental retreats and invited feedback from faculty and staff. The discussions were thoughtful, constructive, and future-focused. Such conversations are essential as we consider how best to position our disciplines for greater collaboration, stronger impact, and continued excellence. This vision will remain an important topic of discussion during the September 29 CAHNRS Town Hall.
A defining strength of CAHNRS is its extraordinary diversity of expertise, backgrounds, and perspectives. As we continue to advance our mission, I believe it is equally important to invest in relationships and create opportunities for meaningful connection. The chairs and directors reception, held at my home on August 21, and our first Coffee Beans with Deans gathering of the semester exemplify the type of engagement I hope to encourage throughout the year. Strong communities are built on trust, and trust grows through authentic conversations, shared experiences, and mutual support.
Community engagement extends beyond our campuses. The National Lentil Festival on August 22 provided another outstanding opportunity to celebrate the relationship between WSU and one of the regions we serve. At President Cantwell’s invitation, I was honored to serve as one of six parade judges. Among many impressive participants, the 4-H Robotics team stood out for its creativity, innovation, and enthusiasm. The judges unanimously selected its entry for the WSU President’s Award. Watching these young innovators demonstrate their robots and confidently answer questions offered an exciting glimpse into the future of science, technology, and agriculture. I encourage all CAHNRS faculty and staff to participate in events like the Lentil Festival. Few experiences more clearly reflect the strong connections between our college and our communities.
Innovation continues to be a hallmark of CAHNRS. During a recent visit to the Knott Dairy Center with students and faculty, I was inspired by the investments being made to advance both animal care and agricultural sustainability. Construction is progressing rapidly on a new biodigester facility that will transform waste into renewable energy while creating valuable experiential learning opportunities for future dairy professionals. Scheduled to begin operation this winter, the facility represents the kind of forward-thinking innovation that defines our institution and our commitment to solving real-world challenges.
I was also reminded of CAHNRS’ deep connection to the land during a recent visit with alumnus and Palouse farmer Kurt Druffel. From the cab of a combine, I witnessed firsthand the remarkable productivity of our region’s rolling hills and gained a greater appreciation for the skill, dedication, and innovation required to sustain modern agriculture. Experiences like these reinforce the importance of the partnership between our researchers, Extension professionals, and producers. Together, they help drive agricultural advancement while ensuring the long-term vitality of our communities. I am grateful to partners like Kurt and his team for their collaboration, leadership, and support.
As we look ahead, I am excited about the opportunities that await us this fall, including the inaugural Ag Innovation Weekend on October 2-3. Featuring the return of the Harvest Market, a community cookout, and a tractor parade, the weekend will showcase the innovation, tradition, and spirit that make CAHNRS so special. I encourage you to mark your calendars and join us for these exciting celebrations.
The start of a new academic year always brings renewed optimism, with renewed responsibility. Together, we have the opportunity to educate future leaders, advance discoveries, strengthen communities, and address the challenges facing our state, nation, and world. The enthusiasm of our students, the excellence of our faculty and staff, the support of our alumni and industry partners, and the strength of our communities give me tremendous confidence in what lies ahead.
The future of CAHNRS is bright, and I look forward to building it together.
Kudos Corner
Kudos to David Crowder, professor in the Department of Entomology, who was named a new Fellow of the Entomological Society of America for outstanding contributions to the field. Crowder will be honored at the society’s annual meeting this November in Columbus, Ohio.
Faculty and graduate students in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering earned awards at the annual meeting of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. Professor Troy Peters received the Heermann Sprinkler Irrigation Award, recognizing excellent work in water-conserving irrigation systems. Former doctoral student, now postdoc, Supriya Savalkar and PhD student Md. Redwan Ahmad Khan received second- and third-place Boyd-Scott Graduate Research Awards, respectively, for their presentations. Divyanth Loganathan Girija, now a PhD student, took first place in the master’s category.
BSE Professor Shyam Sablani received the 2026 Institute of Food Technologists’ Food Packaging Award and was also a key contributor to the team receiving the 2026 IFT Research & Development Award. Both awards highlight his impact on safer, higher-quality, and more sustainable food systems.
Regents Professor Jill McCluskey, director of the School of Economic Sciences, was featured in a BBC Science Focus article that examines how GLP-1 drugs are affecting the food industry.