I spent a few minutes reviewing student responses to the question ‘How do you Henson?’ I admit that I was a bit surprised how many students identified ‘writing’ as a creative outlet. I write this blog and scribble on my whiteboard not for creativity but to organize thoughts that are roaming around in my head. Currently, sewing is my creative outlet. I am eager to see how the quilt turns out using the squares (blocks) that our students created during the Welcome Back Bash. Amanda Clougherty has big plans for the blocks.
Did you see the Maryland Today article about the Smith School’s efforts to help students dress for success? I can’t help but wonder if we shouldn’t do something similar or partner with the business college to expand their efforts and help our students. Surely, we could find space, and I have no doubt we could outfit a closet nicely. I will bring this up when I meet with AGNR’s Student Advisory Council.
Last week I met with Dean Konana of the Robert H. Smith School of Business and his team members, Nima Farshchi and Joseph Bailey. I was excited to learn about all of the good things the School is doing to support all UMD students, including the new Financial Wellness Center located in McKeldin Library. Please, help spread the word about this resource available to all UMD students! And ‘thank you’ to Jinhee Kim who is AGNR’s representative to the team that supports the Center!
This week I have a 2-day retreat with deans, VPs, and the president and his team to think big about the future. I am excited to share the ideas that the AGNR leadership team has identified as big ideas to advance student preparedness, integration of AI across our three mission areas, and enhanced partnering for a steeper trajectory in research and Extension excellence. I can’t wait to see who wants to partner with us. Some ideas require funds; some require other things to first fall in place. And, on some level, we can adopt Dean Konana’s philosophy that when you know you have the right idea, you just do it and the money follows. The big challenge is conveying one, or maybe two, of our ideas in five minutes. I will keep you posted.