Sustainability was another recurring theme in the meeting. For the eighth consecutive year, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Educations Sustainable Campus Index Rankings placed CSU in the top five among doctoral institutions. This year, CSU is ranked second, following four years at number one.

CSU plays an international leading role in food, livestock and soil sustainability research, according to a presentation by College of Agricultural Sciences Dean James Pritchett and faculty members. The presentation highlighted programs such AgNext, which provides a public-private partnership for sustainable animal agriculture. According to program director and Professor of Animal Sciences Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, AgNext at Colorado State University is a leader for research in animal and ecosystem health while enhancing profitability of the supply chain. It serves as the crossroads for producers, industry partners and researchers to come together to innovate real-time solutions for sustainable animal agriculture.

CSUs climate-smart research facility at ARDEC is the largest university research facility of its kind in the nation. It is equipped with the best emissions measurement technology that evaluate greenhouse gases from cattle in feedlot and grazing settings.

The College of Agricultural Sciences Soil Carbon Solutions Center is building tools needed to accelerate the deployment of credible soil-based climate solutions, measure their impact, and bring them to scale, according to Executive Director and Ecologist Jane Zelikova. The Center has engaged interdisciplinary research to accelerate the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices that build soil carbon on working lands. Because soil is one of the largest natural carbon reservoirs, work conducted at the Center has the potential to address climate change and improve environmental, economic and social sustainability of food, fiber and bioenergy production.

In a separate report, Interim Vice President of Engagement and Extension Kathay Rennels reported on how CSU is partnering with CSU Pueblo and other agencies to extend the benefits of the Universitys agricultural research and development to rural communities. The systemwide Rural Initiative is focusing on accessible education, improved health (mental health, aging, prevention), thriving economy (especially economics in agricultural spaces), and vibrant communities (the College of Liberal Arts providing faculty/training resources).

Every place Ive gone around state, Ive heard nothing but strong connections with CSU. Most of the connections are around agriculture which it should be, Board Vice President Armando Valdez reported. We hope to expand into other areas beyond agriculture impact and engage. Ag is a strong leverage point we can push out from. I appreciate that you are making sure we can afford and sustain the programs we implement.

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Faculty/staff compensation is a top priority, Miranda tells Board of Governors - Source