Dean Hammel grapples with new challenges

When John Hammel considered seeking the dean's job in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, one issue was purely practical. Would he still be able to help his brother Bob back on the farm in Dufur, Oregon, during harvest?

As a UI soil scientist and professor, Hammel made a point through most of his academic career to take a couple of weeks off during August. When he became the college's director of academic programs five years ago, the demands of helping get the college and students ready for fall classes began to take priority over his chances to help with harvest.

Jumping into responsibilities for an organization he admires
Running a combine, driving a truckload of wheat to the elevator, or talking about soil before a scientific conference fell more within his comfort zone than the thought of his new duties as dean.

Hammel's sense of responsibility, however, led him to pursue the job to try to help an organization he admires and is proud to be part of— even if it means trading running a combine or his regular running schedule for running the college.

The reality of new responsibility hit him early. Almost immediately, he set off for Boise to meet with the Idaho Legislature's Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee. "I mean it was busy," Hammel said of that first week as dean.

A background of leadership
Hammel was educated in the Pacific Northwest—a bachelor's from Oregon State University and a master 's and Ph.D. from Washington State University. He joined UI in November 1982 after teaching at professor of soil physics, his research included tillage/cropping system effects on soil properties. Hammel has authored numerous scholarly journal articles and chaired an academic programs committee for the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges.

From 1998 to 2004, as associate dean and director of academic programs, Hammel led CALS student enrollments to record highs, and he was instrumental in making the college's name more inclusive.

His leadership style involves teamwork. "Ours is a complex and diverse college. This is a team effort. You have to have outstanding people. And we do."

Of budget challenges and defining priority programs
Hammel leads the college at a time when much is in flux because of budget challenges. The situation is familiar. In 2002, the university's early retirement program led scores of faculty and staff to leave. Adding in other vacancies, the college lost about 110 employees. About 60 positions have been refilled.

"What we need to do is prioritize, refocus, and restructure," he said. "We must continue to move forward and focus in those areas where we already have strong programs and build strong programs in areas that are needed." The latest financial challenges will prompt another round of discussions both internally and externally to designate priority programs.

UI Extension has a plan in place, Hammel said, and the college's overall plan is based on sound efforts and identifies clear priorities. Those earlier efforts left the college in as solid a position as possible to meet new challenges.

Communicating with industry
Hammel wants to make sure the college maintains good communications with the state's industries. "Since we are the research entity in this state for agricultural and life science industries, it is very important that we make sure we are conducting research that is most helpful to those groups."

"We have budget problems, but are a strong unit with outstanding support from our stakeholders and industry. We will continue to prepare students for life and help Idaho through effective research and education."

Contact Hammel at calsdean@uidaho.edu

--by bill Loftus

© 2004 University of Idaho, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.