Cultivate Fall 2018

FROM THE DEAN

Bringing About Change

When we planned this issue of Cultivate over the summer months, we decided to focus on the strategic efforts happening across campus to research and develop solutions for battling ongoing wild fire issues throughout California and beyond. Cal Poly has a long history of cultivating leaders who have the grit and determination to affect change, and the growing wildland-urban interface is a wicked problem that must be addressed. In this issue, you’ll read more about how Cal Poly is galvanizing great thinkers and doers to do just that.

Unfortunately, as we wrap up this issue, even more communities are grappling with two devastating fires — the Woolsey Fire, and the state’s deadliest fire in history, the Camp Fire. Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by these terrible events. Now, more than ever, it’s time to invest in developing solutions to these and other problems facing the state.

Elsewhere in the issue, you’ll meet some of our newest faculty. In the last four years, we’ve hired 28 new positions — key faculty and staff in strategic areas of growth — as well as replaced nearly 90 faculty and staff through retirement and other attrition. This kind of talent infusion is unheard of in most universities, let alone colleges. As I walk through our labs and classrooms, I’m invigorated by the amazing things  happening to prepare students to be the leaders of tomorrow.

We couldn’t do any of this without your support. Now is the time to commit to helping us continue this important work. This is Reality — you, working with us, to support tomorrow’s leaders.

I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful holiday season with family and friends!

Warmest regards,

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences