My introduction to Maryland winter has been interesting. No two days are the same and the temperature fluctuation from day to day keeps me guessing. No two days of my schedule are the same either though I seem to be heading to Annapolis regularly. This week, I head there twice despite the short week.
In addition to attending the Maryland Crop Improvement Association meeting in Annapolis, I head there on Thursday to meet with one of our important partners. In between, I will visit the Shady Grove campus to meet with our partners there and discuss opportunities. Friday, I will participate in the Courageous Leadership training as part of an AGNR team.
Before heading into the long weekend, the AGNR leadership team met. We received updates on plans for implementing a VIP option for our undergraduate students, ideas for demonstrating and developing technology at the campus farm, and expanding innovation by partnering with the private sector. In small groups, we talked about AGNR’s future state goals. I appreciated the conversation and optimism among the group. We know budgets will be tight, but that can’t stop us from advancing our programs and operations. Perhaps the current budget environment is a motivator for trying something different and looking for novel approaches to diversifying our funding sources.
Students are starting to make their way back to campus. The quiet campus has been nice, but I am eager for more activity and to see what the semester holds. I am also eager for more day length. It won’t be long before it is daylight when I get home most days. Maybe the temperatures will stay above 45 F, too!