Mark Lagrimini, our new Vice Provost - Research and Extension, effective June 1, was in town last week. We met for an hour to talk about the position, expectations, and work styles. He also met with Joan Warren to jump start the onboarding process as much as possible. Mark had dinner with a few members of Program Council so I hope that helped him understand the lay of the land a bit. During my conversation with Mark, we both learned that we had interviewed for the same position earlier in our careers. While neither of us ended up in the position, the coincidence had me thinking just how small the universe really is.
This week I am in San Diego for the Western Extension Director's Association meeting. There's a tour at the end of the meeting; this is what I am most excited about. The flower fields of Mellano Family Farms is one of the stops. I don't remember the other stops but I'm sure Sherry has lined up a great afternoon. The rest of the meeting is the usual type of meeting other than the fact that I am secretary so I have to pay attention and capture notes. That's not one of my strengths but we'll see how it goes.
I've wrapped up all but 1 of my academic annual reviews though I still have 4 to write up and post. Apparently I missed the deadline for uploading my academic reviews so I need to get that done ASAP. I didn't count how many AE meetings I had but it was quite a few (>40). I took sparse notes during the 45-60 minute conversations; mostly action items for me and ideas for the future. Perhaps my airport time this week will give me a chance to compile all of my thoughts and reflections and get them down on paper to reveal any themes or ideas to run by the group of directors. Next I need to work on staff reviews and then, of course, write up my own accomplishments and get those submitted in the next 2 weeks. Following, it's time to start reviewing dossiers submitted for merit and promotion. It occurred to me recently that I don't really have to wait until after the Peer Review Committee has reviewed them to start reading them myself. Have I mentioned that I've never been a fan of reading or homework?
A couple weeks back I mentioned that I heard a great keynote speaker, Charles Blow. Last week his daughter won the NCAA Individual Women's Foil Fencing Championship - this information courtesy of my sister who fences. It really is a small, small world.