Dean's View; Programs & People Summer 2004

Dean’s View

Dean Continual change. While most of us greatly appreciate some degree of stability in our daily lives, it usually never happens, and it’s certainly no different within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Dick Heimsch, who served as director of the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station (IAES) for the past 10 years, retired March 16. Dick has been a visionary and a mainstay for the college during his time in the position. (Photo by Mark LaMoreaux.)

Through his efforts and vision, he guided the college in the development of strong research programs in biotechnology, helping us better serve the agricultural industry today and in the future. Without hesitation, Dick also stepped up to serve as acting dean, following Mike Weiss’s departure for health reasons last November.

Dick served the college admirably in this leadership capacity, helping to navigate the college through a critical transition. We miss Dick and wish him all the best in his move from academia to the “good” life.

Greg Bohach, former head of the Department of Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, is our new IAES director. Greg has an outstanding career in research in the areas of host-pathogen specificity and biotechnology. He brings this expertise and new ideas to our college leadership team, which will help move CALS in new directions to meet evolving needs in our rapidly changing agricultural industry in Idaho.

It is important to note that Greg as IAES director oversees fundamental and applied research within the college. This also includes administration and oversight of our research and extension centers throughout Idaho. These centers have been paramount in the development and success of many of Idaho’s commodities, and we believe they will continue to play an integral role in Idaho’s agriculture and community life.

In different ways, we also have a history of working with small-acreage growers, especially through programs like Idaho Master Gardener, and through our extension programs located in 42 of 44 Idaho counties.

Our college is all about helping students, Idaho’s agriculture, communities, and families succeed. By continuing to work together, we’ll continue our proud and successful traditions.

– Dean John Hammel