I have learned over the last couple of weeks that AGNR likes to have fun. At our winter celebration, I learned that there is a long history of holding an Ugly Sweater Contest in addition to a large group activity. Last week, I spent a morning at the Family and Consumer Sciences team in-service training event, witnessing their creative approaches to teaching learners around the state about dementia caregiving, personal finance and budgets, health insurance, and more. We learned through games such as trivia and a version of Family Feud. On Friday, I attended a department end-of-semester gathering that included games and another that included crafts! Suffice it to say that I am far better with a pneumatic stapler than I am with charades.
This week is the final push before we all have a bit of rest and time with family and friends. I have a number of check-ins with team members, a meeting with a key supporter, and a meeting with the Department of Veterinary Medicine. In between those meetings, I am wrapping up mid-year staff reviews and Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure letters. I am pleased that I can put a face to the name of each person seeking promotion! I still have many people to meet across AGNR, the campus, and our many partners, but I have made some progress. Reading the dossiers for those seeking advancement is rather enjoyable, and it is rewarding to have the privilege of meeting the faculty and, in a few cases, observing them delivering science-based information.
Speaking of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, did you hear that Daniel Nelson was elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors? Daniel is in good company this year, with President Pines and Srinivasa Raghavan also receiving the honor. According to the National Academy of Inventors website, the NAI Fellowship is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors. Daniel is the first from AGNR to be elected as a Fellow. Congratulations, Daniel!
Students are heading out of town, and I know faculty and staff are busy checking things off their lists before things get quiet next week. I have no doubt many will use the time next week to work without interruption. I will hold off posting again until after the new year, but will be thinking of everyone and hoping you have a safe and fun break! Consider playing a game or two!
