News and Notes – Cultivate Fall 2020
Associate Dean Retires
Richard Cavaletto, a most-respected member of Cal Poly, is retiring after 30 years of dedication to the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. He has worked as an executive associate dean since 2012, directly impacting thousands of students in his work overseeing undergraduate programs. Cavaletto came to Cal Poly as an associate professor in the BioResource and Agricultural Engineering Department in 1990, eventually becoming head of the department. He also served as the director of the Agricultural Safety Institute from 1992-02. Throughout his career, he has won numerous awards for his service and dedication and most notably impacted student success. Dr. C, as he is known to students, has served as the advisor to numerous student clubs, including the college’s Club Council, helping students achieve their leadership potential.
Cavaletto has been a strong and steady voice in advancing the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences to where it is today. In retirement he plans to return to his family’s lemon farm in Southern California with his wife, Melanie.
New Department Heads
Bill Hendricks, longtime head of Cal Poly’s Experience Industry Management Department, and Catherine Kleier, most recently a professor of biology at Regis University in Denver, Colorado, have been named associate deans of the college. Hendricks and Kleier join current Associate Dean Jim Prince. Executive Associate Dean Richard Cavaletto will retire later this year and will be honored then. Hendricks, who joined Cal Poly in 1994, earned a doctorate in philosophy, recreation and leisure from the University of Utah. Kleier earned a doctorate in organismic biology, ecology and evolution from UCLA. She will begin in September. Following Hendricks' transition to his associate dean role, Jerusha Greenwood, currently an associate professor in the Experience Industry Management Department, will serve as the interim head of that department while a search for a permanent head is conducted.
Bill Hendricks, longtime head of Cal Poly’s Experience Industry Management Department, and Catherine Kleier, most recently a professor of biology at Regis University in Denver, Colorado, have been named associate deans of the college. Hendricks and Kleier join current Associate Dean Jim Prince. Executive Associate Dean Richard Cavaletto will retire later this year and will be honored then. Hendricks, who joined Cal Poly in 1994, earned a doctorate in philosophy, recreation and leisure from the University of Utah. Kleier earned a doctorate in organismic biology, ecology and evolution from UCLA. She will begin in September. Following Hendricks' transition to his associate dean role, Jerusha Greenwood, currently an associate professor in the Experience Industry Management Department, will serve as the interim head of that department while a search for a permanent head is conducted.
Cal Poly Outstanding Staff Award
Kari Roose, academic support coordinator in the Agricultural Education and Communication Department, was recently awarded the university’s Outstanding Staff Award. She was recognized for her dedication, loyalty and service to others, along with her willingness to try new things. Roose is a welcoming face to the department and serves students in a genuine and caring way. “It would be difficult to find someone on this campus who does not get along with her,” said a nominator. “She enjoys working in the background; she has no interest in the limelight. Her interest is in serving others. It shows in everything she does.”
New Director of Development
Erica Gulseth Nordby is the newest director of development for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Prior to joining Cal Poly in March, she worked for nearly 15 years in nonprofit fundraising and development, including at The Trust for Public Land, the Foundation for National Progress, and Earthjustice. When not at work, you’ll find her outdoors hiking, sailing, biking or backpacking, wine tasting or listening to live music. Nordby is the liaison for the Agricultural Education and Communication and Experience Industry Management Departments, partnering with donors and alumni to ensure that every student in the college gets the best Learn by Doing education possible. Reach her at nordby@calpoly.edu or 805-305-4567 to talk about how you can make a big impact for students with a gift today or by leaving a legacy in your will or estate plans.
Meet Our New Faculty
Yamina Pressler
DEPARTMENT: Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences
AREA OF SPECIALTY: Soil science, soil conservation and restoration, soil food webs and organic matter in fire-affected ecosystems
EDUCATION: Doctorate in ecology from Colorado State University; bachelor’s degree in environmental management and protection from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
HOMETOWN: Danville, California
CURRENTLY READING: “All Along You Were Blooming” by Morgan Harper Nichols
FUN FACT: You may see me zipping around San Luis Obispo on my bright pink Vespa!
Anastasia Telesetsky
DEPARTMENT: Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences
AREA OF SPECIALTY: Environmental law
EDUCATION: J.D. degree from UC Berkeley and master of laws degree from University of British Columbia
HOMETOWN: Rockville, Maryland
CURRENTLY READING: “Islands, the Universe, Home” by Gretel Ehrlich
FUN FACT: I completed the Western States 100 Ultrarun (in a former life with young knees).
Cynthia Heiss
DEPARTMENT: Food Science and Nutrition
AREA OF SPECIALTY: Medical nutrition therapy, specifically obesity and diabetes
EDUCATION: Doctorate in nutrition from Texas Woman’s University; master’s degree in human nutrition from Colorado State University; bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Texas Christian University
HOMETOWN: Fort Worth, Texas
CURRENTLY READING: “Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown
FUN FACT: I swam with humpback whales in Tonga two years ago. But most people are more interested in the fact that I appeared twice on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2007. No, I didn’t get a car; I got a bike and a gym bag.
Get A Cal Poly Thanksgiving Turkey
The Cal Poly Meat Processing Center will be selling turkeys this Thanksgiving for the first time, thanks to a generous donation by alumnus David Pitman of Pitman Family Farms, also known as Mary’s Chickens. Turkeys can be purchased through the Meat Processing Center at calpolymeats.com or by calling 805-756-2114. Only 100 turkeys are available, so call soon to reserve your Thanksgiving bird.
Cal Poly Strawberry Center’s Virtual Field Day
The fourth annual Cal Poly Strawberry Field Day was held virtually on Aug. 25. A record 280 guests attended the event from 13 different countries, with 70 of those receiving continuing education units. Attendees were able to learn about the latest research and automation activities taking place at the Strawberry Center in conjunction with the California Strawberry Commission. To learn more, visit www.strawberry.calpoly.edu/field-day-2020-handouts.
Holiday Cheese Boxes
Cal Poly Holiday Cheese Gift Boxes featuring student-made products are available now through Dec. 18. To order from a selection of traditional favorites available in a variety of gift box arrangements, visit www.calpolycreamery.com.
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