Volume 46 Number 1 Spring 1999Volume 46 Number 1 Spring 1999
|
As I have traveled throughout Alabama during my short tenure as dean and director, I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know a diversity of agricultural groups. I have been impressed with their knowledge of the research programs underway at the Ag Experiment Station at Auburn. Often, I find that much of that knowledge comes from reading Highlights. So, it is pleasure for me to share with you some of my thoughts in this publication. There is no doubt that we face some critical times in agriculture in this state. Teaching, research, and extension programs in agriculture are no different. Our future in research is tied to our ability to plan and implement programs that you want and need. If our faculty can develop meaningful programs that transcend departmental, school, even university boundaries, we can be successful. And we will be successful, because we have dedicated and creative faculty and we have a strong network of supporters. Success will demand partnerships and cooperation, which we in administration are dedicated to building. In Alabama, we have some unique opportunities. Never in our state's history have agricultural commodity groups worked together so closely. Never have the state's three land-grant universities—Auburn University, Tuskegee University, and Alabama A&M University—worked together so closely. With so many dedicated people working together, we are certain to succeed. Much of my brief time at Auburn has been spent crisscrossing this state, getting to know our constituents. The rest of my time has been devoted to getting to know our faculty and staff. My goal is to create an atmosphere in which all of us can work together more productively and have a good time doing so. I believe strongly in people and when any organization takes care of its people, the people will take care of the organization. |
|
|
|