Greetings Colleagues,
As October progresses forward, I have had an exciting, productive, busy, yet rewarding country-spanning experience over just the last couple of weeks. My travels took me to Olympia, where I met fellow members of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ Board of Natural Resources—a group that sets the policies that manage our state’s lands and resources. This was followed by a visit to our Puyallup Research & Extension Center, then a trip back to Pullman, where I presented at the WSU Extension In-Service Conference, and on to the nation’s capital.
Last week, I had the privilege of joining WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell, Provost T. Chris Riley-Tillman, Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison, and leaders from Washington’s top agricultural commodities in Washington, D.C. Together, we championed the critical role of research, Extension, and education in advancing our state’s economy and strengthening the incredibly valuable partnerships among agriculture, natural resources, and public stakeholders. These conversations powerfully reaffirmed the valuable contributions of CAHNRS faculty, staff, and students to the vitality and global reputation of Washington agriculture.
Let me tell you, I was in awe listening to the stories from our stakeholders about how their communities continue to learn and benefit from the contributions of our land-grant university. I was deeply inspired by their testimonies to members of congress reflecting the enduring impact of our land-grant mission and the transformative learning that continues to shape communities across our state. It was abundantly clear that organizations such as the Washington Grain Commission, the Washington State Dairy Federation, the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, the Washington State Potato Commission, the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, and the Washington State Wine Commission deeply value their partnerships with CAHNRS. I want every member of our faculty to know: Your work matters. Your contributions are making a tangible difference in the lives of Washingtonians.
As mentioned in my previous communication, CAHNRS is actively engaged in the WSU Co-Design Council. Our first retreat, held October 9-10, laid the groundwork for stakeholder interviews that will inform the co-design process. These stakeholders include faculty, staff, students, alumni, leadership, and community members. The Co-Design team will send out a survey in the coming weeks, and I encourage you to participate. Your insights are essential to shaping WSU’s future over the next five to ten years.
My visit to Puyallup was the most rewarding experience. I am inspired and energized by the impactful work our faculty, staff, and students have been conducting and accomplishing at the Puyallup REC since 1894. Our stakeholders who were present were equally thankful for their contributions. Listening and learning from these stories make my job of leading easier and help me advocate for CAHNRS internally and externally. Congratulations to the entire Puyallup team; you are a point of pride for our college.
I am prioritizing visiting each CAHNRS unit, both on and off campus. Assistant to the Dean Lisa Johnson is coordinating these visits. In the meantime, do not hesitate to reach out. Open communication and transparency are vital to our success, and I welcome the opportunity to listen, learn, and share.
In that spirit, I invite you to our first All-CAHNRS Faculty and Staff Meeting, scheduled for today, October 22, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Johnson Hall Annex C107, and followed by a reception with light refreshments. This will be a chance to hear updates on our budget, academic programs, Extension, and research activities, and to connect with one another. I look forward to seeing you either in person or via Zoom.
We will continue these conversations through a series of future meetings and listening sessions. Our first Town Hall of the semester is scheduled for December 5, from 3 to 4 p.m., also in Johnson Hall Annex C107. Please mark your calendars. This will be an opportunity for open dialogue with CAHNRS leadership.
Lastly, do not forget: This weekend there is another home football game, and with it, the Beef and Brews event from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, as part of WSU Family Weekend. This event supports the CAHNRS Student Senate and its 50-plus clubs, helping fund conferences, tours, guest speakers, and other enriching experiences. If you’re attending the game, I encourage you to stop by and show your support.
Thank you for all that you do.
Until next time, Go Cougs!
Sincerely,
Raj