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Dean's letter by John Hammel
It is rewarding to reflect on the many positive things going on in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Dedicating the new Caldwell Research and Extension Center this summer with our supporters in the Idaho Legislature and the Treasure Valley gave us a chance to celebrate agriculture and the opportunity to move forward with a Treasure Valley facility that is vital to the state’s interests.
We saw the rewards of careful planning and strong support from our friends in the Legislature and our congressional delegation again in August when President George W. Bush signed a bill that allows us to utilize our old holdings near Caldwell. Proceeds will advance our plans to build the Center for Livestock and Environmental Studies in the Magic Valley to serve Idaho and our beef and dairy industries.
We’re also moving ahead at the Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center near Salmon. A new dormitory and conference center planned there will better serve the Salmon community, Lemhi Valley region, and the college’s broader education and research goals.
There is plenty to celebrate. Beef and dairy are strong. Another high point is knowing that growers are receiving excellent prices for their crops. It is a rarity that all of Idaho’s major crops are winners. Anyone who thinks agriculture has diminished in importance needs to think again.
Of course, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and University of Idaho Extension have an even broader role in society. More than 30 faculty and staff members hired in the past two years are bringing innovation and energy to all our programs. We’re educating future scientists, educators, and good citizens who already are making a difference. This magazine issue looks at impacts of established and new extension programs that tackle Idaho’s poverty problems on both the individual and community levels.
We’re proud of a new visitation scholarship we created to encourage
prospective students to consider our college. We offered the scholarship to 49
prospects who had visited campus and talked with our faculty and staff members;
40 accepted and enrolled.
The real pleasure of serving as dean is that everywhere I look, CALS is on the ball and moving it forward.
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