Apr 25, 2022

WSU’s CAHNRS names Wendy Powers as dean

Wendy Powers, an experienced leader who guides statewide agricultural research and Extension for the University of California division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has been named the new dean of Washington State University’s College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences.

WSU Provost and Executive Vice President Elizabeth Chilton announced Powers’ selection on April 25 following a national search. Dean Powers will join the college, referred to at WSU by the acronym CAHNRS, on Aug. 15.

“Dr. Powers draws from a deep well of experience in leading the land-grant mission,” said Provost Chilton. “She embodies that mission through her collaborative work with agricultural producers and research peers nationwide. Her demonstrated success in fostering academic excellence, resilient partnerships, and community engagement across many states makes her ideally suited to lead this college into the future.”

Powers said she’s honored to be part of the CAHNRS story.

“Discovery in this college touches all corners of Washington, and I am excited by the opportunity to harness that potential,” she said. “What’s really drawing me is the chance to make a difference for all Washingtonians by supporting advancements and sharing new ideas in agriculture, natural resources, and the human sciences.”

Statewide partnership builder

As the associate vice president for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Powers has led academic, research, and outreach programs for the University of California since 2016. She built partnerships within and beyond the university, overseeing county-based cooperative Extension outreach, 12 statewide programs and institutes, and nine research and Extension centers across California.

Powers began her career as an assistant professor and Extension specialist in animal science at Iowa State University, then moved to Michigan State University, where she served as a full professor in the departments of Animal Science and Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Extension specialist, and director of environmental stewardship for animal agriculture in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She was also the first director of the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute for Michigan State University Extension.

As a scientist, Powers linked research discovery with outreach to the livestock industry, providing knowledge and tools to help producers reduce their environmental impacts while staying competitive and meeting growing consumer demand. She holds a doctorate in animal science and a master’s degree in dairy science from the University of Florida, and a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cornell University.

Powers replaces former Dean André-Denis Wright, who led the college from 2018 to 2021. Interim Dean Richard T. Koenig has overseen CAHNRS since mid-2021.

“On behalf of the university, I share my deep gratitude to Dr. Koenig for his stewardship and leadership of CAHNRS,” Chilton said. “He has been a steady, positive force for the college during an era of change, and I wish him great success as he returns to chair the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences.

“I also thank all of the candidates, as well as all faculty, staff, and agricultural partners on the search committee for their efforts in bringing new and inspiring leadership to CAHNRS,” she added.