Economic issues, with particular emphasis on agricultural and resource economics, have always been important to our college. It is essential that we maintain our understanding of this essential sector of our states economy. We must attempt to verify the economic soundness of each new technology developed for production and processing systems. In addition to scientific knowledge, we must contribute economic information to help develop best management practices for our land, air and water resources. The college has contributed significantly to maximizing alternative agricultural enterprises through its programs to provide producers with information upon which to base decisions in an effort to maintain economic viability as well as competitive and sustainable productivity.
Education is the cornerstone of any university.
We understand the increasing globalization of education, the growing demand for highly skilled employees, and the escalating interest in higher education among our states residents. We also recognize the opportunities that we have given our historic mandate and impact, our statewide Extension network, and the uniqueness, strength, and relevance of our programs that is, if we move forward quickly enough. Moving forward means modular course design to make education available to different educational clients, increased collaboration between extension and academic educational programs, greater cooperation across this college, this university, and the UNC system, as well as increased partnerships with community colleges. Both our agricultural and life science programs provide skilled employees and future business and governmental leaders. Our college and our programs have changed along with the continually changing world of agriculture, the Life Sciences and the explosion of the information age.