Greetings Colleagues:
As I wrap up my first couple of weeks on campus, I want to share how excited and energized I am by what I have seen and learned so far. I’ve met many incredible students, staff, faculty, and college and university leaders. I also attended and hosted numerous events like the Fall Festival, the Top Scholars Orientation Dinner, the Faculty Crimson Club, the Presidential Retreat – WSU Systemwide Executive Leadership & Strategic Planning Session, the Dean’s Council, and receptions. I hosted the Washington Research Foundation director, and together we toured the Plant Growth Facilities. I also visited Spillman Farm, the CUB, Bryan Hall, and more. And yes, walking around our beautiful campus helped me quickly understand the concept of “Cougar calves”!
As a moderate extrovert by nature, it energizes me when I meet people and listen to their stories of dedication and innovation. I’m inspired by your service to our land-grant mission and how you continue to serve our tripartite mission and its impact on our communities near and far. I heard stories and witnessed in action the land-grant mission, which stands strong and tall in our system, providing access and opportunity to all. I was particularly intrigued and excited by President Cantwell’s message to the entire WSU community: “Say ‘yes’ before you say ‘no!’” I couldn’t agree more. We must find ways to seek solutions by being creative and innovative. Borrowing from Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” and “the future belongs to those with the courage to change their mind!” she said. Let’s depart from “we have never done this before” or “we cannot do this” to “let’s find a way of doing this together!”
I continue to learn about the many successes across our college. Just last week, our online bachelor’s degree in economics was ranked in the top 10 nationally by OnlineU. Kudos to Jill McCluskey and the entire team who work tirelessly to ensure we provide the best opportunities for the next generation of leaders – our students. I saw this excellence firsthand in our Top Scholars (previously Ignite Scholars), whom I met while welcoming them and celebrating their successes. I was inspired by the commitment from our faculty who serve as their mentors and the fellow students who serve as their peer mentors.
Our faculty continue to shine. Last week, Zhihua Jiang was selected for a Fulbright U.S. Scholar award to Egypt for 2025-2026. Another group of outstanding faculty has been selected for the Provost’s Leadership Academy 2025-2026 Cohort. Congratulations to all! I want to emphasize that no win is too small. Every win merits recognition and we must celebrate it together. On that note, Provost Faculty Award nominations are due soon. I strongly encourage you to consider nominating yourself or a colleague. If my office can support you in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our college does outstanding work that merits recognition and reward.
Don’t forget the Apple Cup Harvest Market is this Friday, Sept. 19, from 4-6 p.m. This event is a great way for our college to showcase the wide range of Cougar-made foods and products.
I look forward to meeting each of you, learning about your work, identifying opportunities, and exploring how we can collaborate to strengthen our impact. Your stories help me advocate effectively for CAHNRS at the university and state level. Please keep sharing them with me.
Until next time, Go Cougs!!
Raj