Fall always feels like the most vibrant seasonal reminder of change, with the colors shifting and the temperatures cooling as we prepare for the cold and quiet of winter. This fall, in the spirit of change, I have announced my plan to retire as dean next year after 10 wonderful years at the helm of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. You can read the official announcement here. This decision is bittersweet for me. It has been an incredible honor to work with so many amazing staff, faculty and students, and serving as dean of this extraordinary college has been the highlight of my career. In this new phase of my life, I am looking forward to spending more time with family, fly fishing and improving my pickleball game.

This month in Highlights, we see a variety of examples of how our faculty, staff, students and alumni continue to inspire communities through their work. Faculty are launching a coffee chat series to help promote better inclusivity through teaching in the classroom; the Center for Regional Change and Yolo County partnered on a program to alleviate poverty; a new apprenticeship program engages students on the entire process of creating olive oil; and learn key strategies for supporting prescribed burns to help improve forest health.

Every day I see and hear about your commitment to the college and campus. I see the research, teaching extension and engagement each month through the stories we tell, both to the public and behind the scenes—from managing the administrative side of our work, engaging communities, supporting and advising students and caring for our animals to maintaining research fields, keeping our technology up to date and functioning and communicating the impact of our work to the rest of the world.

Every member of this college does important work that contributes to the greater good of our community and larger society.

Thank you for your commitment to the college and the support and guidance you have provided me throughout my years of service. You continue to play an integral role in the success of our work and our dedicated mission to serve California and beyond.

I hope you have a peaceful Thanksgiving break and enjoy the people and traditions that bring you good cheer.