- Author: Wendy Powers
I'm a far cry from California right now – haven't seen sun or temperatures above 70 all week! And the weekend doesn't seem to be shaping up to be much better. I think some sun is planned for Sunday and it may peek out between now and then but I certainly don't need to consider sun block. No wonder the peonies are a few weeks from blooming. Last week must have been dry in the Midwest because it looks like fields were recently crossed (planting, I presume).
It's that time of year when we start hearing about colleagues who have decided that they are ready to enjoy what they have worked so hard for – retirement! And while it is certainly sad to think about not having that person nearby for regular interaction and gaps in programming that may exist we acknowledge how happy we are that our colleagues have the opportunity to kick back a bit, maybe travel and certainly have more time for family and hobbies. Certainly we can look forward to new colleagues. Next week Ali Montazar begins working as an Irrigation and Water Management Advisor out of Holtville, with responsibilities in Imperial and Riverside Counties. Then on June 5, Mariano Galla starts in Glenn, Butte and Tehama Counties as an Agronomic Cropping Systems and Weed Science Advisor. We're fortunate that we are hiring at a faster pace than we are seeing departures (estimated at 2 to 3 more Advisors and Specialists, combined, per year) but at this time of year when retirements come in at once, it can certainly appear that gaps are created, taking focus away from the fact that the academic footprint is growing. In addition to our Advisor searches, the campuses have the most activity underway in Specialist searches that I've seen in my 11+ months – I seem to hear from one or more of the campuses a couple times a week for the past month or so. We could always use more people, the challenge is how to find sufficient resources to both hire and support people and what approach to take when unexpected vacancies occur given the current input-driven process for filling academic positions.
Next month is Chris Greer's last month in Davis so I will have to make a more concerted effort to stay up on where we are in search processes. Chris will be relocating down to San Luis Obispo but will continue in the Vice Provost role through the end of September. Hopefully we will have a new Vice Provost on board by October 1 but I am thinking through a contingency plan in case there's a gap. Advisor searches are a big part of Chris' responsibilities and we don't want a gap in coverage to slow things down. Chris also meets with Specialist candidates when possible, another important task to be filled should there be a gap period.
There seems to be quite a bit of discussion going on around UC ANR about addressing gaps in getting our information out as well. I know Mark has been in conversation with several groups and it's something that is of great importance to me, not just because of Goal 2 (Improving our reach) but because providing our science in a way that is easy to find and all in one place not only helps with our brand recognition but helps us make a difference in the lives of 40 million Californians everywhere. No doubt that is where the strategic communications team is focused and likely a part of the conversation that took place when the Communications Advisory Board was in Davis last week. As we weave these conversations together and reach to achieve Goal 2, I'll keep you up to date on progress.
In the meantime, have a relaxing Memorial Day weekend. And please remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep America great. I hope things down in Monterey County aren't too hectic following the landslide.
