Message From the Dean, Innovation 2015

Message From the Dean

Dean Candis Claiborn
As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of Washington State University, I’m pleased to share our latest edition of Innovation. In this celebratory issue, we look back at our accomplishments and forward into our exciting and promising future.

Land Grant History

We are so very proud of our land-grant history and the contributions that all of you from the Voiland College have made to make the state of Washington a better place to work and live. You have been a part of this valuable work building our state infrastructure, powering our lives, developing new materials, or designing beautiful and landmark buildings. We have been dam builders and bridge builders, cleaned up pollution, and developed wood and plastic products for the building industry. You, our alumni, are leaders in our state and nation’s most important industries in aerospace, manufacturing, construction, information technology, and power.

Grand Challenges

At the same time, we are proud of the hard work we are doing as we move forward into this next century, addressing the greatest challenges in energy, the environment, and health. As a nation, it is more important than ever to tackle these challenges with enthusiasm and hard work. With our strong tradition of teaching hands-on, practical skills, we are preparing our students to be the leaders to face these challenges.

Research

I hope you’ll enjoy reading some of the history of our 125 years of research. Our important work continues in the areas of advanced materials, air and water resources, sustainable infrastructure, catalysis, and the smart electric power grid. Our researchers are working to develop novel bio-based plastics, develop new sustainable building materials, improve understanding of air pollution, and even make jet fuel hydrocarbons from fungi.

Remembering President Floyd

As we face what promises to be our exciting future, we did, sadly, have to leave someone behind. How sad and ironic that in a year of such great success, we also faced the huge loss of our dear friend when President Elson S. Floyd passed away in June. Much of our success came about because of his wise leadership and guidance. We will fondly remember his generosity and caring spirit, and we know how much of a difference he made to this state.

I look forward to continuing Dr. Floyd’s important vision and work for the university as we move forward in furthering the Voiland College’s research, educational, and outreach goals.

Thank you for your support, and Go Cougs!

Sincerely,
Candis Claiborn - full signature
Candis Claiborn