For over 160 years, land-grant universities have been pillars of access, innovation, and service, transforming lives and livelihoods of millions through education, research, and Extension. Yet, 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.
That lesson was reinforced during the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Annual Meeting, November 9-11 in Philadelphia. Conversations with peers and leaders from institutions across the nation revealed a sense of urgency: Recruitment, retention, and student success are pressing concerns for all of us, and that reality is far from unique to our region. As President Elizabeth Cantwell reminded our leadership team, we are not in a period of stability, we are in a period of change. That theme resonated throughout the APLU meeting, which I attended along with President Cantwell, CAHNRS Associate Dean of Student Success & Academic Programs Nancy Deringer, and others from our university.
Recently, I also had an opportunity to tour the WSU Grass Breeding and Ecology Farm alongside Orlin Reinbold, a Washington grass seed producer and member of a multigenerational family of Cougs. Orlin has been an outstanding partner to our turfgrass program, bringing together several northwest seed producers to fund WSU breeding, research, and educational efforts. During my visit, I learned that the majority of the world’s bluegrass seeds are grown right here in the Inland Northwest. We have a leader among us: Michael Neff, who was recently appointed to the Washington Turfgrass Seed Commission Professorship, a role that recognizes his exceptional leadership and sustained contributions to turfgrass science and the industry. The commitment demonstrated by Orlin and the Seed Commission are prime examples of visionaries coming together to invest in what they believe in. Their partnership strengthens the ability of CAHNRS and WSU to deliver impact locally and globally, and I deeply value their dedication.
On November 5, I had the privilege to be part of a celebration at Chewelah, Washington, honoring Becky and Lynn Miner for their donation of Casa Becca del Norté, a 100-acre tree farm, to Extension Forestry. The Miners have cared lovingly for this tree farm since purchasing the property in the early 1990s. Seeing it in person, it was evident that their exceptional forest stewardship has led to regional and state Tree Farmers of the Year awards from the American Forest Foundation and the Washington Tree Farm Program. CAHNRS will honor Becky and Lynn’s intention to create a “legacy of learning” by establishing this farm as a hub for ideas and education on small-scale forest treatments and solutions. I am humbled and deeply touched by the generosity of partners like the Miners; their support is what makes our mission possible.
On November 7, I had the privilege of spending half a day with a dozen of our newest faculty members during the CAHNRS New Faculty Orientation. Listening to their questions, expectations, and aspirations offered valuable insights into how we can best support their success. This orientation was more than an introduction; it was an investment in their future. By connecting them with resources for future success, we’re creating broader successes for CAHNRS, WSU, and our state. I left this meeting excited and enthusiastic that our future is bright.
Congratulations to Lav Khot, professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering and director of AgWeatherNet, for his 2025 Public Impact Award, part of the annual WSU Research Excellence Awards. Thank you, Lav, for your service and contributions to CAHNRS and agriculture in Washington. I encourage all CAHNRS faculty and staff members to share your accomplishments with us. Every win matters. I want to recognize and celebrate these milestones with you, our colleagues, and our stakeholders. Your stories inspire and strengthen our collective impact.
Lastly, a reminder that our All-College Town Hall is 3 p.m. Friday, December 5, at Johnson Hall Annex C107 and on Zoom. Join me and the leadership team to engage with our colleagues and update yourself on what’s taking place in CAHNRS. Please RSVP and submit any questions you would like addressed. I look forward to seeing you there!
Until next time, Go Cougs!
Sincerely,
Raj