The PIE Center’s continued quest to provide relevant research and educational programs has taken a renewed focus with an eye toward the future.
As my first year as director comes to a close, many wonderful developments and accomplishments ensure the PIE Center’s unrelenting growth and success.
This report illustrates the impacts PIE Center efforts have on transforming public opinions and perceptions of agricultural and natural resources issues into actionable steps our stakeholders can use to inform and engage consumers and constituents alike.
To begin with, the PIE Center team is now fully staffed to the levels called for by the successful legislative budget request with the hiring of assistant professor Angie B. Lindsey in August. I further supported our faculty and staff by hiring eight part-time or time-limited employees to assist in conducting our myriad research projects and outreach. With this growth, our team is perfectly positioned to seek out even more research and educational opportunities.
With valued input and guidance from our advisory board, the PIE Center completed a yearlong strategic planning process. Goals established in the three-year plan provide the theme for many pages in this report, along with the refined mission and vision statements.
Among the several objectives already met includes the formulation of a Scientific and Extension Advisory Council. By bringing UF/IFAS researchers and extension specialists around the same table, the PIE Center hopes to partner on pivotal research and outreach programs addressing emerging agricultural and natural resources issues.
Warm regards,
Ricky Telg
