Cultivate Spring 2024

FROM THE DEAN

The future of food, environmental sciences and agriculture is well underway.

This is always an invigorating time on campus. Students are energized and fully immersed in classes, research and programs and there is a steady buzz of activity that can be felt throughout campus.

This is a particularly pivotal time for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences as we break ground on two new projects that will enhance the opportunities offered to students in plant, environmental and animal sciences and we fully embrace the ethos of One Health and the sustainable balance the health of people, animals and ecosystems.

You’ll see a lot of activity on campus in the coming year as the Plant Sciences Complex and the Animal Health Center, both projects graciously funded by donors who support our Learn by Doing philosophy, are built. You can read more about both projects in this issue.

I am humbled to serve as the interim dean of the college as a search for a permanent dean is underway. With more than 28 years of service to Cal Poly, my pledge to you is that we will keep moving forward to maintain our role in graduating students that are indeed the future of food, environmental sciences, agriculture and related disciplines in the college.

In this issue you’ll read about students who are creating plans to decrease food waste and about a collaboration between food science and agricultural business students to develop a new food product that will go to market in the near future. You’ll also read about the powerful partnership between our nutrition program and Cal Poly Athletics to ensure that the university’s student athletes are fully embracing their health and wellness.

There is no shortage of great work being done by our faculty, staff and students and I am grateful to be a part of it. It is your continual support that makes it all possible.

To continued growth together,

BILL HENDRICKS
Interim Dean

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences