PULLMAN WSU administrators announced plans Monday, March 23, to preserve 4-H programming statewide by undertaking an administrative reorganization that will make WSU Extension part of the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences.
“Throughout our considerations of budget cut scenarios, it has always been our intention to make certain that all children and young adults who currently benefit from 4-H programs will continue to do so,” said Warwick M. Bayly, provost and executive vice president. “We will take larger cuts administratively to minimize any impact on 4-H programs.”
The university faces significant budget cuts for the upcoming biennium as a result of the financial crisis facing the state and nation. The original state budget proposed by Gov. Chris Gregoire in December called for a 12 percent cut in the state allocation for WSU, but as the economic situation has continued to erode, projections of the impending budget cuts have gone higher.
“This administrative change should allow the university to continue programming that is important to the citizens of our state, even in the face of a significant budget shortfall,” said Daniel Bernardo, dean of the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences. “Extension has always been integral to the mission of our college, and I am confident this will continue to be a strong and effective partnership.”
Linda Kirk Fox, dean and associate vice president for WSU Extension, said, “We value the partnerships Extension has with communities, agencies and individuals around the state, including those in the agricultural community. We look forward to this new phase of operation.”
Bayly said the details of the reorganization are still being worked out.
As part of the reorganization, John Gardner, who is currently WSU’s vice president for economic development and extension, will oversee both economic development and global engagement. In the latter role, Gardner will lead the university’s international programs office, contributing to the growing opportunities for global economic partnerships.
“The provost and I believe there are great opportunities for accelerating what has been the steady growth of WSU’s international academic programs through research and development in the areas of global animal health, agriculture, and the environment all strong suits of WSU. Both in building our state’s economy and expanding our reach, international engagement is vital,” Gardner said.
