Foreword – Spring 2019

Teamwork makes the dream work.

Collaboration fuels innovation, productivity and service in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This issue features teams in teaching, research and extension who are working to move the college forward, together.

First of all, you’re invited to get to know our new team leader Daniel J. Robison, holder of the Endowed Dean’s Chair in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (page 20). He’s a storyteller, and he’s a great listener. He agreed to let me feature him on our cover, but also requested the entire team of former deans join him in this issue. Together they share their VOICES on page 18. Visit stories.cals.iastate.edu to catch a video of their discussion.

From service to Iowans by the Extension Crops Team (page 30) to study abroad and research collaborations in Rome (page 32) to efforts to connect our grads with careers (page 26) and care for our students (page 24), CALS faculty and staff are working together to make a difference on campus and across the globe.

I’m also pleased to introduce you to our CALS communications team (pictured below). I’m proud to work with this outstanding group of professionals and thankful to call them colleagues and friends. They bring STORIES to life through their thoughtful interviews, conscientious research, vibrant writing and dedicated administrative support. In addition to this crew, staff from other university units contribute to the magazine – Christopher Gannon, Tracy Schlater, Whitney Sager, Grant Wall and Betsey Hickok to name just those in this issue – as well as the professionals at PUSH Branding and Design who helped us launch a new look in this edition. I thank them, and all past contributors, for joining us in the meaningful work of sharing the college’s STORIES. Feel free to drop me a note at stories@iastate.edu with comments about the new design or other feedback.

(Back, left to right) Ed Adcock,
communications specialist; Melea Reicks
Licht, director of alumni relations; Brian
Meyer, director of college relations; Julie
Stewart, communications specialist; (Front,
left to right) Haley Cook, assistant director
of alumni relations; Barb McBreen,
communications specialist; Ann Robinson,
communications specialist.

Please make plans to join Dean Robison and the entire CALS team at our annual alumni BBQ Aug. 31. The Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center will be buzzing with live music and conversation as alumni and friends catch up with each other and visit student club displays. Look for more details in STORIES Online e-newsletter in the months to come. Shoot us an RSVP and we’ll be sure to save a cup of Dairy Science Club ice cream for you.

Warm wishes from central campus,

Melea Reicks Licht