The Vantage Point

Glenda Humiston 
Vice President
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources 

I hope you all had a restful and reflective Thanksgiving holiday – and the chance to share gratitude and appreciation with your loved ones. For me, after another year of pandemic-driven uncertainty and challenges, I was grateful for the opportunity to reset and consciously acknowledge everything that has sustained me and instilled hope for our organization, our mission and our state.

I am thankful for the steadfast support of Sen. John Laird, his legislative colleagues, and the Newsom administration, as the historic budget increase for UC ANR in 2021-22 recognizes our essential role in addressing the most pressing needs in California, both today and in the future.

I am thankful for President Drake, the University of California Regents and leaders across UC who continually promote the transformative power of ANR’s research, education, policy and extension work.

I am thankful for our robust network of staff and academics across the state, who strive every single day with a shared purpose – to do their part to improve the lives of their fellow Californians.

And I am thankful for our diverse array of advocates, stakeholders, volunteers and friends who enrich and empower everything we do at ANR – including nurturing new and stronger partnerships that advance our vision of healthier, more sustainable, more equitable and more prosperous communities.

Toward that end, I was thrilled to share the stage at the California Economic Summit on Nov. 10 with Heidi Hill Drum and Kate Roberts, co-chairs of the California Stewardship Network (CSN). Together, we announced an important new partnership that aims to accelerate the economic recovery of regions all across California.

In addition to expanding our academic footprint in agriculture and natural resources across the state, UC ANR will be investing in the economic development of rural areas through this CSN partnership by hiring 15 new UC Cooperative Extension advisors and one specialist – with expertise in broadband technology, food systems, disaster recovery, agricultural technology and more. Significantly, they will work closely with members of CSN, an alliance of leaders across the state who bring their local knowledge and deep commitment to solving the economic, environmental and social challenges in their regions.

That dedication to seeking effective partners and forging practical solutions is just one reason why I am continually inspired by the work of our teams across UC ANR. If you feel the same way about our positive impact in California (and I hope you do), please consider contributing tomorrow, Nov. 30, for GivingTuesday – the “world’s biggest day of generosity.”

So, in wrapping up my count of all that I am grateful for this holiday season, I am truly thankful for your support and contributions to UC ANR, whether in the form of your generous donation, your participation in our programs, your subscription to this newsletter, or simply your belief in our common cause. Thank you!