The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences has a strong tradition of seeking input from its stakeholders through local and statewide advisory boards. Over the 100 years of the college’s existence, these boards’ advice has maintained our focus in building appropriate, responsive programs. As the college and Idaho agriculture grew and diversified over the years, so did the complexities of these advisory groups to the point where, in 1948, the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Don Theophilus, established the Agricultural Consulting Council (ACC) to build a closer working relationship between the agricultural industries of the state and the college. For more than 50 years ACC played a major role in shaping the college’s direction. On several occasions, it helped the college work through significant budgetary concerns, not only assisting in redirection of the college but also advocating for increased budgets from state and federal agencies. I consider annual meetings with ACC among the highlights of my 20 years with the college and have been proud to be associated with a college that maintains close contact with its stakeholders.

Over the 50-year history of ACC, the college as well as the advisory groups grew and continued to diversify to the point where the groups’ membership expanded from 10 to 70 members. In 1999, a decision by ACC was made to develop more focused advisory groups at the unit level and a smaller dean’s advisory board. The unit advisory groups would focus on review of unit action plans in teaching, research, and extension while the Dean’s advisory board would focus on college priorities and advocate for the college as needed. At the beginning of 2001, we began the transition to this new model, which, as of this year’s annual meeting, is effectively in place. As of this writing, 10 new unit advisory groups are in place, as is a new Dean’s Advisory Board.

I am excited about the new format and witnessed this same enthusiasm among the more than 100 new advisory group members and 15 new dean’s advisory board members who gathered this fall. As we struggle to deal with significant budget cuts and refocus our efforts, having the wisdom and advice of our stakeholders is particularly essential. I am grateful they have already moved into action and pleased that as we enter a new century we will benefit from the strong input of our Idaho stakeholders. As is indicated in the name of this publication, our focus will continue to be assuring that our Programs meet the needs of the People.