Our College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is like any dynamic organization in that changes occur almost every day. Many of the changes are only small adjustments; however, some of the changes result in a significant difference.

We have undergone such a significant change this past year, when Dean Larry Branen decided that he wanted more time to focus on his vice president of outreach responsibilities and complete his outstanding career at the University of Idaho doing what he loves: Teach and discover new knowledge.

Larry will always be synonymous with the college. His leadership as dean for two terms established a personality for the college that I hope we never lose. Our college motto, “Serving Idaho’s greatest resource - Its people,” is Larry’s motto and is something that our faculty, staff, and students also hold very dear. This is Larry’s legacy to our college.

Another significant change in leadership will be the retirement of Dick Heimsch, associate dean of research and director of the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station. Dick is the first to admit that significant increases in our extramural grant funding are the direct result of our faculty. However, he deserves credit for establishing a climate that fostered and will continue to foster this activity. Dick provided strong leadership for the college in making the Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory spring from a concept on paper to a state-of-the-art reality. Things we most admire about Dick include unfailing commitment to developing a first-class research program and his strong support of our educational mission, another example of our motto.

While these two will leave voids, the most significant impact will be felt by retirements of so many dedicated faculty and staff members, the heart and soul of our mission. Even as we fill these positions, we certainly cannot replace the over 500 years of experience that we will lose. Many of these individuals spent their entire professional careers at the University of Idaho. The successes we have enjoyed in our college, and impacts we have made to Idaho and even the world, are direct results of their efforts.

New leadership will bring new ideas, philosophy, and energy to the college, which is always good. I am confident that the overall focus of the college in our six major areas of responsibility—globally competitive agriculture, community development, strong and healthy youth and families, safe and nutritious food supply, protecting and enhancing our environment, and producing society- ready graduates—will continue to build strong, vibrant, and sustainable communities and creative enterprising citizens throughout Idaho.

– Dean Mike Weiss

Mike Weiss is new dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Serving as acting dean since March 1, his appointment became effective June 22. “Mike brings experience, strong science credentials, vision, enthusiasm, and a desire to maintain and strengthen the college’s nationally recognized programs,” said UI Acting Provost Charles R. Hatch, announcing the news on June 2. “I’m extremely excited about the opportunity, but at the same time it is an enormous responsibility,” Weiss said. Weiss joined the UI faculty in 1998 as professor of entomology and head of the Department of Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences.