March 24, 2009
WSU to reintegrate the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
Dan Bernardo, Dean, CAHNRS
Greetings! I’m writing to inform you of a new development in WSU’s ongoing work to address the financial crisis in which we find ourselves, and at the same time, best position the university to succeed once the crisis is over.
This morning, President Floyd announced that, effective immediately, WSU Extension will begin working toward reintegration into the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS). At the same time, John Gardner, currently vice president for economic development and extension, will assume a new role leading the university’s international programs office and economic development initiatives; he will no longer have direct responsibility for WSU Extension.
While the context for this reorganization is the budget situation, President Floyd’s vision is a strong, traditional, land-grant model for Extension, with programs closely integrated into the rest of the institution. He is emphasizing service to the state’s agricultural industry, the use of the newest technology for program delivery, and direct ties between Extension programming and the research and new knowledge developed at the university. 4-H youth development programming will continue without significant changes.
From the CAHNRS standpoint, the reorganization should not change much in terms of programs developed and delivered to the people of the state. Extension has always been integral to our college’s success; this move will only strengthen that partnership.
Obviously, a move of this magnitude is not accomplished overnight; there are many, many details to be resolved. I will communicate as quickly and clearly as possible about those as they unfold.
Thank you for your support.
Best regards,
Dan Bernardo
Dean, WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
