“Every state has a land-grant university, but no one else has a PIE Center. The PIE Center brings great added value to what the University of Florida can provide the people of our state.” — Jack Payne, UF/IFAS
After six exciting years of growth and accomplishments, the PIE Center has transformed how we understand, react and respond to complex agricultural and natural resources issues. As the PIE Center continues to work toward its goal of a public that is informed and engaged in these issues, the momentum continues to build.
New PIE Center director
Ricky Telg, interim associate dean in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, will become the PIE Center’s director in July.
Telg is already familiar with the PIE Center, having joined faculty and staff at the inaugural advisory board meeting as well as offering guidance on various research, communications and training programs.
“I have been fortunate to play a small role in the PIE Center throughout the years,” Telg said. “I’m eager to continue the impressive journey Tracy Irani and so many others have created and foster the high-quality work of our faculty, staff and graduate students.”
Just recently, the Office of the Provost approved the PIE Center to become an official and permanent center at the University of Florida. This achievement raises the PIE Center’s stature and visibility to a new level.
This incredible journey since our successful 2012 state legislative budget request would not have been possible without our tremendous team of faculty, staff, students, committed stakeholders and the support of UF and IFAS administrations.
Additional credit is owed to members of the PIE Center’s advisory board who provide a stabilizing and guiding force to usher the PIE Center into a new era of development and progress toward achieving our vision. The board offers invaluable insight and leadership as the PIE Center spends this year updating its strategic plan, mission and vision.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the initial vision and support of Department of Agricultural Education and Communication faculty and Chairman Ed Osborne. The department is where the idea of the PIE Center first took root.
Having witnessed many of the PIE Center’s milestones from the front row, it is bittersweet to know that I will be cheering from the sidelines from now on. I know the PIE Center team of faculty, staff and graduate students will continue to do great things. As I step down from the PIE Center to lead the UF/ IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences — which will house the PIE Center’s third facultymember — I am eager to see how the team’s energy and passion will continue to shape how we communicate and educate about agriculture and natural resources.
Sincerely,
Tracy Irani
PIE Center Director
