Dear Colleagues,

New England weather has kept us on our toes. A recent blizzard, followed by yet more snow, has been a vivid example of how quickly conditions can shift. And yet, despite a few snow days, across CAHNR, learning continued, research progressed, Extension remained engaged, and our teams adapted, as we always do, with professionalism and resolve.

In many ways, the broader environment around us feels similarly dynamic. The College is advancing several leadership searches that will help shape our future direction, and at the University level, work continues on a new budget model and an organizational needs assessment. These processes represent significant change, and I recognize that change can bring both questions and anticipation. My commitment is to remain transparent, to communicate as information becomes available, and to ensure that CAHNR’s mission and people remain at the forefront of every conversation.

Through shifting weather and shifting landscapes, one constant remains: your dedication to our students, our communities, and one another. Thank you for continuing to move our College forward with steadiness and care.

Kumar Venkitanarayanan
Interim Dean and Director

Have an idea for the newsletter? We are grateful for the creativity and diverse opinions of our College community.

We’re excited to announce a new initiative to celebrate and recognize the many ways our colleagues make CAHNR such a great place to work –introducing the CAHNR Gratitude Ninjas!  Several Gratitude Ninjas were released across CAHNR departments and campuses. These paper Ninjas are on a mission to spread appreciation, connection, and smiles throughout our college community.

Mari Cullerton, Research Assistant II for UConn Center For Land Use Education (CLEAR) Geospatial

What do you call an basketball player that misses dunks? Alley whoops. 

There’s more fun in this month’s edition of the CAHNR Business Office newsletter. Each month, the team in CAHNR’s Business Office will update the CAHNR community on deadlines, policies, procedures, staffing changes, and all kinds of other useful information. Visit the CAHNR Business Office site for more.

Internship and Co-op Career Fair