Today marks one month since I stepped into my current role, and with each passing day, my appreciation for CAHNRS’ mission and impact continues to grow. The more I listen and learn, the more excited I become about the opportunities CAHNRS offers across our state. Our land-grant mission is not only alive but thriving.
Just yesterday, I had the honor of representing CAHNRS at the Washington State Capitol, where Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Director Derek Sandison, WSU Professor Randy Fortenbery, and I presented to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. It was a proud moment to showcase CAHNRS’ contributions to the state, listen and learn about the excellent body of research performed by CAHNRS faculty, and highlight the strength of our WSDA partnership.
Over the past two weeks, I have continued to meet with a broad spectrum of internal and external stakeholders. One particularly meaningful engagement was connecting with our administrative managers, many of whom have dedicated over three decades of service to CAHNRS and WSU. Their institutional knowledge and behind-the-scenes efforts are foundational to our college’s success. I encourage you to take a moment to recognize and thank them and their teams for their continued commitment.
Externally, I have had the privilege of connecting with several of our valued industry partners and stakeholders, including the Washington State Potato Commission; the Washington Grain Commission; the Washington State Beef Commission; the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission; the WSDA; the Board of Natural Resources; and one of our Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching representatives. These conversations deepened my understanding of how our partnerships have advanced the CAHNRS mission and amplified our impact across the state.
At a recent reception with alumni, donors, and friends of CAHNRS, I was struck by the pride and passion they have for our college. Their continued support and advocacy are evidence of our work’s enduring value, and a reminder of our responsibility to honor that trust.
That support was especially prominent at the Apple Cup Harvest Market and the CAHNRS Apple Cup Tailgate. Please join me in extending sincere appreciation to Washington Fruit & Produce for generously donating Cosmic Crisp® apples, and to Ines Hanrahan, executive director of the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, for coordinating the contribution. Additional thanks to Mark Hanrahan, Kate Evans, and all CAHNRS employees (Nancy Deringer, Judy Hopkins, Colette Casavant, Miguel Inzunza, Elizabeth Shaw, and many others) who contributed to the success of Apple Cup weekend. I was delighted to meet Governor Ferguson at the game, and in our brief exchange, I was tickled to learn how much he appreciates one of our college’s flagship products: Cougar Gold!
Looking ahead, I am eager to visit our academic units and research and Extension centers across the state to listen, learn, and better understand your programs and aspirations.
To kick off this next chapter, I warmly invite all CAHNRS faculty and staff to join us for an All-CAHNRS Meeting in the Johnson Hall Annex C107 on Wednesday, October 22, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., followed by a reception. Lisa has already sent out the announcement, and I encourage you to prioritize attending in person. This will be a wonderful opportunity for us to connect face-to-face and begin shaping our shared future.
Until next time, Go Cougs!!
Sincerely,
Raj