Over the past two weeks, I have been on the road—listening, learning, and seeing firsthand the remarkable impact CAHNRS is delivering in partnership with agricultural producers and communities across Washington. Everywhere I went, one theme stood out: When we work together, our reach and relevance grow.
Over the last two weeks I was reminded over and again of the incredible capacity, momentum, and dedication for state-serving research, education, and partnerships in CAHNRS.
Over the past three decades of my career in higher education, I have had opportunities to visit over forty land-grant institutions across our country. And yet, the CAHNRS departments I visited over the last two weeks stand apart in remarkable and inspiring ways.
Over the last two weeks, I traveled across Washington and experienced firsthand the amazing work taking place throughout our college.
As we advance through the spring semester, which is in full swing, the last two weeks have been filled with inspiring conversations and visits that highlight the incredible talent within our college, evolution of our mission, and exciting opportunities ahead.
It is my great pleasure to welcome students, faculty, and staff back to our campuses and centers as we begin another remarkable year of learning, discovery, and impact across CAHNRS.
This season is one of giving, gratitude, generosity, grace, and grounding—a time to celebrate kindness and reflect on our shared journeys. We are among the fortunate with nourishing and abundant food on our tables. Please take a moment and reflect on where our food comes from.
This fall, my travels across the Pacific Northwest have highlighted a powerful truth: Partnerships are the lifeblood of the land-grant mission.
The future calls for bold change. We cannot rely on yesterday’s methods to solve today’s challenges; we must reimagine how we deliver on our mission.
Sixty days into my role, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the depth of collaboration and partnerships that define CAHNRS—within our college and across institutional and industry boundaries.
