Like so many aspects of our lives, the events of the last year have had a profound impact on the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, creating both challenges and opportunities. Although we continue to focus on our mission of supporting the economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of the people of Idaho, we are now challenged to meet new and demanding needs with a significantly lower budget. Late in 2001 we saw a 3 percent temporary reduction in our state budget and as we start the new fiscal year, our budget has been reduced 7.5 percent. Further reductions loom. To provide enough flexibility in a budget that is 85 to 90 percent personnel, all vacant positions were frozen late last year and we developed an early retirement program. As FY03 begins, we have more than 80 vacancies with an additional 20 to occur during the next year. Although we anticipate filling 30 to 40 positions over the next two years, we will be a changed institution.

Our goals are to not lose our great momentum and to emerge from this financial crisis better prepared to address Idaho’s needs. Currently we enjoy record highs in student numbers and total research and extension grants. At the same time, one of the traditional strengths of the college is fading. Having strong continuity among faculty and staff with long-term service has been a real advantage. However, with retirement of 57 employees in the next year, we will face replacing a wealth of experience, expertise, and Idaho knowledge developed in 1200 cumulative years of service. Not an easy task. Still, what encourages me is that the core values and commitment to service displayed by this group is present among those who remain. Some programs may disappear during the next few years and with 15 to 20 percent fewer faculty and staff, we’ll be doing less in some areas and developing efficiencies in others. I believe we can face these challenges.

It has been a tough year for many people and it will continue to be difficult to adjust to our changing world. It was evident to me, however, after the September 11 crisis that we need to focus on people in all we do. That has been the great tradition of the UI. In keeping with the motto for the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences centennial, we must continue to enrich the lives of all the people we touch.

© 2002 University of Idaho, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.