Dean's update

April 24 , 2009

This past week, I had the opportunity to visit two of the larger dairy farms in Connecticut. Visits such as this are a great way for me to communicate directly with stakeholders so I can better understand their needs for research and outreach from our College and so they can suggest areas where we might seek to improve. Both producers were highly complimentary of the support UConn has provided to help their farm operations. In particular, both farms have relied heavily on our faculty to support innovations in animal waste management that can serve as models for others to follow. I also met two of our recent graduates who work for the farms in different capacities. Again, both students were highly complimentary of their experiences as students in the College. This trip really brought home what is best about our land- grant system--Connecticut businesses employing graduates of the College and benefitting from working directly with our research and extension faculty to improve their productivity and profitability.

On Friday, we had the opportunity to recognize our staff and faculty for their years of service to UConn and our College. The fifty employees recognized represented 975 years of service to Connecticut. My personal thanks and congratulations to each and every one of you for your dedicated service!

Gregory J. Weidemann

Dean and Director