Today is the day — #CougsGive! Let’s come together to celebrate and support the WSU causes that we are most passionate about.

A group of us visited with leadership and students at the Vietnam National University of Economics and Business on Monday. There was strong interest in partnering with WSU in research, student exchanges, study abroad programs, and perhaps a 2+2 program for Vietnamese students.

Congratulations to our newest LIFT Faculty Fellows! Congratulations also to the Celebrating Excellence Banquet honorees. We are so proud of each person recognized.

March Madness is in full force this week! I am not doing well in my picks nor keeping ahead of my calendar.

The tree fruit endowed chairs provided research updates last week. The group did a great job talking about their work and its benefits to the industry, as well as their future plans.

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.

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.

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.

I met with a number of CAHNRS friends last week in Arizona and brought back some action items.

I am in Phoenix the first half of the week meeting with CAHNRS friends and supporters.