CAHNRS > News > Dean Wendy Powers Blog

Dean Wendy Powers Blog

Back in full swing

Statewide travel this week includes the Washington & Oregon Potato Conference in Kennewick, a visit to Ritzville, and time with the Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center team.

An adult and 15 students stand outside buildings on the WSU Pullman campus. Some of the students hold a large red flag with the WSU logo in front of them.

It’s cold outside

Relief from the frigid temperatures is on the way. In the meantime, I hope everyone is staying warm and enjoying a little bit of sun.

Formal head shot of Luz Maria Gordillo in front of wood paneling.

Acknowledging good work

Departments and program units are gearing up for discussions about the position needs required to achieve our programmatic vision. With the big jump in new enrollees this fall, attention to recruitment across CAHNRS, and Extension and research needs, we need to develop a hiring plan that considers the previously approved faculty positions that have been on hold for a year.

Close-up of pink apples.

Welcome back

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a nice break. Soon, students will return, bringing energy to campuses and high hopes for a strong semester.

Brick buildings and trees covered in snow. Hills behind the campus are also covered in snow.

Planning

Our current strategic plan’s goal is to provide a transformative student experience. I wonder if we’ve been bold enough in approaching that goal, or if we have been constrained by our current structure.

A snowy scene with the sun shining through tall trees.

Student successes

Congratulations to the 66 undergraduates, 12 master’s students, and 18 doctoral students from CAHNRS who were recognized at Saturday’s commencement ceremony! We will miss all our graduates and wish each of you much success in your next steps!

Two people stand, dressed in graduation caps and gowns, holding a diploma folder. Behind them are a few other people dressed similarly, as well as a large crowd sitting in the stands.

Back from abroad

During my University of Nairobi visit, common themes related to climate change and food security, data-informed decision tools, and genetic advances in animal and plant agriculture surfaced. There is a lot to think about.

Two people stand next to a table with plastic bottles and plastic containers containing food items. One person holds a notebook. Behind the table is a sign with text "Strengthening African Food Processors (SAP) to reduce food losses. Supported by the Rockefeller Foundation" with the Rockefeller logo. At the bottom of the sign is the University of Nairobi logo and the text "University of Nairobi" and the text "Purdue University."

Gratitude

I hope everyone had a great long weekend and took pleasure in turkey trots, turkey dinners, and time with loved ones! There is so much for which to be grateful.

Two zebras stand together in a field. The skyline of Nairobi is in the background.

Setting CAHNRS apart

I was in Seattle the first part of this week attending the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities annual meeting. WSU was well represented by our government relations, foundation, and leadership teams.

A group of people stand, listening to a person speaking, in a field.

Changing the student experience

Washington, D.C., was much colder than I expected. I think I missed the best day of the APLU Advocacy Meeting: an invite-only session where the afternoon was spent “backcasting” a scenario in which federal agriculture research support and federal Extension support increased substantially.

View of the lake with the Washington Monument in the background. Trees in vibrant fall orange and yellow hues line the lake.