Welcome

Dr. Powers joined WSU in August 2022. She currently serves as the dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences with a faculty appointment in the Department of Animal Sciences. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University before moving to Florida to work on a dairy farm. While in Florida, Powers completed graduate work at the University of Florida. Following completion of a PhD program, she started her career as an assistant professor/extension specialist in the Animal Science Department at Iowa State University working in environmental issues related to livestock production. After 10 years, Dr. Powers moved to Michigan State University for another 10 years as a full professor/extension specialist and director of environmental stewardship for animal agriculture (College of Agriculture, Animal Science and Biosystems & Agriculture Engineering) during which time she spent four years as the first director of the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute for MSU Extension. In 2016, Powers became the Associate Vice President, Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) at the University of California overseeing county-based Cooperative Extension, twelve statewide programs and institutes, and nine Research and Extension Centers for the University of California system.

Amelia Johnson joined the department in May 2022 as a personnel/fiscal specialist. She is dedicated to helping behind-the-scenes processes go smoothly so that the Animal Sciences Department can continue to succeed and strive for excellence. She graduated with an AA at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen, Washington before transferring to WSU to finish her BA in finance. She is currently enrolled in WSU’s online MBA program and is concentrating on marketing.

Kaitlyn Wright graduated with a BS in animal sciences and began working for the department in March 2022. She became a recruiter and advisor in August 2022. As an undergraduate in animal sciences, she worked at the Knott Dairy Center as well as in the barns at the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital and served as president of Dairy Club. She draws upon her experiences as an animal sciences major to provide the best information and support to current and future students. When she is not working with students you can find her skiing, hiking, fishing, camping, and hanging out with animals.

David Varvel began working as a maintenance mechanic at Farm Shop in the summer of 2022. He worked at the WSU Steam Plant prior to his employment with the department. He and Damon Burke work together to keep our animal facilities operational.

Damon Burke was recently promoted to agriculture and maintenance manager at Farm Shop, replacing long-time manager Jerry Weber. He has been a WSU employee for 16 years.