Winter 2006 Alumni News

Greetings from Kevin Janni

Transformative change is in the wind at the University of Minnesota. It makes me think about the transformations that occur inside a chrysalis where a caterpillar transforms itself into a beautiful adult butterfly. The new possibilities that are emerging are exciting.

I continue to be amazed by the achievements of our students, staff, and faculty. Tom Zearley completed his year as the Minnesota Student Association president and continues to serve as a student representative to the Board of Regents. Tim Radatz and Krisine Nelsen had exciting intern experiences. Faculty and staff continue to innovate and make important contributions to the profession and world community. I hope that you enjoy reading about these special activities and accomplishments in this issue of the newsletter.

Strategic Positioning. In 2005 the University of Minnesota embarked on a bold strategic positioning process to position the university to reach new heights of excellence and academic distinction. The goal articulated by University President Robert Bruininks and approved by the Board of Regents is to be one of the top three public research universities in the world within the next decade. As President Bruininks wrote in an editorial, we are now deep into the hard work of developing plans that will take the University from good to great. President Bruininks also said that the University has been on the improvement path for many years and that we are well on our way to our goal. Many talented people are involved in the task forces that have developed and continue to develop recommendations for consideration by the University community and Board of Regents.

In June 2005 the University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved President Bruininks’ strategic positioning recommendations. One of the approved recommendations was to merge the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences and the College of Natural Resources by July 1, 2006. It was recently announced that there will be a national search for a new dean for the new college.

As I write this, recommendations from a Task Force on the design of the new enhanced college that will be created by merging the two colleges are out for public comment. One of the Task Force recommendations is for the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering to merge with the Department of Bio-based Products, which is currently in the College of Natural Resources, by July 1, 2007. This recommendation was not a surprise for us because we have been meeting and discussing the idea of merging for almost a year. The merger will combine two small departments into one with a total of 26 faculty members. The faculty members from both departments are meeting to plan for the merger and to identify key strategic focus areas. Our goal is to create a new department that can accomplish more working together than we can separately. To paraphrase President Bruininks, we are deep into the hard work of developing plans to take two very good departments and create a new great department.

Many questions remain to be answered. But I trust the faculty and staff will make wise decisions that will create a new department that offers exemplary educational degree, extension, and outreach programs and conducts innovative research that address critical societal issues. Our teaching, research, and outreach activities will serve as the foundation for a new department striving to excel in all areas of endeavor. I am optimistic that the new department will achieve new levels of excellence. We have good people doing very good work already.

BAE Remodeling Update. In my last column I wrote about preliminary ideas to remodel the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering building and the adjacent Engineering and Fisheries laboratory building (the BAE complex). In 2005 the ideas began to take shape as we worked with an architectural firm, consultants, and University planning staff to develop plans, cost estimates, and a programmatic statement of need for remodeling the BAE complex. The plan was developed in collaboration with the Department of Bio-based Products. Despite our best efforts, given a very short time frame, the remodeling plan was not included in the University of Minnesota 2006 bonding request to the Minnesota Legislature. It is our hope that with additional planning and a clearer programmatic vision for the new department, that the BAE complex remodeling will be part of the 2008 bonding request. Your support for remodeling will be important.

Finally, thank you to all of our alumni and friends who have contributed so much to the department in 2005. Many of you give back by speaking in class, mentoring students, and sharing your professional experiences. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. Financial donations are highlighted in the newsletter.

I hope that 2006 will be a good year for you. We appreciate hearing from you. Please stay in touch and stop by if you can.