Spring has arrived on campus! The trees are blooming and there are vibrant flowers everywhere. The sky is a brilliant bright blue, and the sun finally feels warm. Spring is one of the most tangible examples of change and a reminder that we are firmly rooted in growth and rebirth. As an institution, it is our business to facilitate growth and change in ways that inspire faculty to encourage greater understanding and expanding thought, while creating impactful solutions that educate and support our students and the communities we serve.  

The past few weeks have been marked by unprecedented uncertainty for the future of research and scientific discovery. As a land grant institution, it has always been our mission to educate, research and serve the public. In the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, this is our ethos, the foundational core of our work and the reason we are so dedicated to our students, partnerships and the common good.

Winter quarter is already upon us, and I hope you all had a restful holiday break. The new year has already presented us with some unexpected challenges as we witness the devastating fires in Southern California and their impact on the state and our Aggie community. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. I want remind everyone about the available campus resources.

Season’s Greetings from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences! Every December we create a yearly slideshow to showcase our many incredible efforts and commitment to excellence in education, research and outreach. This year we had several reasons to celebrate the college! Please enjoy the highlights for 2024—a year full of discoveries, awards, research and student engagement. Thank you to our faculty, staff, students, friends, donors and partners for your dedication and commitment to the college and campus.

The campus feels brisk and vibrant this November, with the cold mornings and changing leaves. There are many examples of faculty and students outdoors in action. Students with the Draft Horse and Driving Club have brought joy to many with their horse and carriage rides, giving our community a chance to connect with Olive, a gentle Percheron. At the Student Farm, students taking a course on the biology and conservation of wild birds measured and recorded characteristics and practiced handling golden-crowned sparrows, house finch and yellow-rumped warblers.

Last week we celebrated a successful fundraising effort of over $415 million in the Expect Greater campaign. This is an incredible milestone for our college. Each gift allows us to expand our reach and educational excellence, conduct research that translates into real-word solutions, support students and create experiential learning opportunities to expand their education.

Welcome to fall quarter! The season is changing, and a hint of fall is in the morning air, even if the afternoon sun and heat try to tell us otherwise. I enjoy watching the campus swell to capacity as students head back to town. The influx of students brings an abundance of energy that is both invigorating and inspiring. 

May has been an absolute whirlwind of activity—the college is thriving and full of people teaching, conducting cutting edge research, and engaging with communities. I have had the pleasure of speaking at several events this month. We welcomed admitted transfer students at Aggie Day, celebrated members of our community at the Walker Advising Awards and Bradford Rominger Award ceremonies, met with current and potential donors and attended and hosted several events on agriculture innovation and sustainability.

April was a busy month for our barn managers and student residents! We can’t get enough of all the baby animals being born this spring. New life brings so much joy to campus and unparallel hands-on learning for our students who are assisting with the births. Take a look at the photo reel above for a peek at students in action. Our photographer managed to attend the birth of a new foal at midnight, caught several new kids on film at the goat barn, and captured students in action with baby chicks at Picnic Day. 

Springtime on campus brings a renewal of life and energy that is hard to miss. The baby boom of animals in our barns is a testament to the season's new beginnings. Meanwhile, the Arboretum is a canvas of color and activity, with paths lined by blooming redbuds that seem to herald the warmer days ahead. This vibrant landscape serves as a living classroom, offering countless opportunities for learning and relaxation amidst the beauty of nature. I enjoy slipping out at lunch for a quick walk amongst the spring flowers to check on the foals at the Horse Barn nearby.