The beginning of the New Millennium
is developing a bright sunrise for the College of Agriculture.
Over the past few years we have undergone a transformation from
a small production based college into a more modern, urban inclusive
college of agriculture. The inclusion of the food industry, as
part of our corporate base, has enabled the college to embrace
everything, literally, from the farm to the plate.
Even though the college is the only
four-year agriculture program south of the Tehachapies, we have
not made our presence known across the state. We have proven our
potential and have contributed to the leadership on campus. Indeed,
we continue to operate our 700-acre farm in the middle of three
freeways and 13 million people. Our presence defines the open,
green space environment of the campus.
Education remains the keystone of our Strategic Plan and the primary
function of the college. The education component includes both
undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional programs.
The primary role of each faculty member has always been that of
a teacher, but now we are also assessing the quality of student
learning. The university as a whole has embraced the concept of
the extended university, delivering programs external to the university
proper. Our faculty have actually led in this development providing
telecommunications courses used at other California universities,
and WEB courses, which allow students to do their lessons when
their schedules allow.
Our education programs continue to include the typical agriculture
production majors, such as agronomy, soil science, irrigation
science, and animal science, while enhancing related programs
such as food science and technology, food marketing and agribusiness
management. Additional programs for the urban environment include
horticulture, nutrition, and apparel merchandising and management.
Masters and professional programs are being enhanced to provide
manager level personnel capable of assisting businesses in their
operations.
All of the faculty contribute to teaching, advising, and scholarly
activity which includes all aspects of the faculty responsibilities-teaching
quality, learning assessment, application of new technologies,
basic and applied research. Creation and distribution of new knowledge
has always been a critical component of academic life at universities.
The recent success of the ARI (Agriculture Research Initiative)
funding for research has brought about an increase in research
capability. It has provided start-up funds, new equipment, student
salaries, release time for faculty, partners to enhance California
food and agriculture, and funding to convert facilities into laboratory
space. ARI success with corporate partners has been exceptional.
The positive results we have obtained in a short period of time
are a result of creative hard work by Dr. Gail Goodyear, Director
of the ARI program, and the faculty who commit far more time than
they get recognized for.
The transformation of the college continues with young faculty
joining our fold, bringing with them vitality, new ideas, and
passion for their research and teaching. As some of our tried
and true faculty begin to retire, we manage to hang on to a few
through the Faculty Early Retirement Program (FERP) to continue
their expertise, share current and historical knowledge, and the
legacy of Cal Poly Pomona. Many of you alums might want to take
a few minutes to contact those faculty to express your appreciation
for what they gave you. It would make their day.
Things are happening…AGRIscapes has come to fruition-and
it is just the beginning. After more than a decade of hard work
and determined dedication, the Department of Horticulture, Plant,
& Soil Sciences has completed Phase I of the AGRIscapes project.
We have a new, large farm store to be managed by Mr. David Carson.
The nursery will be located here under the capable supervision
of Monica Salembier. A large education center will present a variety
of aspects about food and agriculture, as well as the environment
and recycling. The opportunity to interact with the public will
be greatly enhanced. A classroom for the students will also serve
as a site for public demonstrations and weekend classes. The formal
opening and ribbon cutting will occur November 2001, but the store
officially opened for Fall Conference and the beginning of the
school year. If after you visit the center, please feel free to
speak with David, Dan Hostetler or myself to identify ways in
which you can become involved. I want to thank Ed Barnes, Dan
Hostetler and Peggy (McLaughlin) Sears Perry for their commitment
to creating the facility and never giving up hope. Our thanks
also to the Sanitation District that committed resources to the
University, and to President Suzuki who made certain AGRIscapes
would occur. All faculty in the college can now see that they,
too, can bring about the other projects that have been discussed.
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