Dean's Message

Welcome to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences! Our name reflects our commitment to the lives of Idaho’s citizens and one of its most important industries, agriculture. I enjoy watching our students prepare themselves for futures in dynamic careers.

Our faculty members work in many areas, from human health research funded by the National Institutes of Health to food product development and textiles. Our faculty members win awards for their teaching in dairy science, microbiology and many other disciplines.

Students benefit from our faculty members’ expertise as teachers and researchers. Students in our college find opportunities to work with researchers in the field and in laboratories. Nearly half of the college’s faculty members work in communities throughout the state for University of Idaho Extension. They offer research-based information to help agricultural producers, home gardeners and consumers.

I invite you to explore the college’s many and diverse units. Find the knowledge you need to live better today. Or pick an educational path to prepare for your future career.

John Hammel
Dean, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

John Hammel joined the University of Idaho in November 1982 as a professor of soil physics after serving on the faculty at the University of Georgia in Athens. In April 1998 he had served as associate dean and director of academic programs and was appointed dean in January 2004. 

Hammel has authored numerous scholarly journal articles and has served as chair of the Academic Programs Section Impact Statement Committee of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges. He holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Washington State University and a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University. E-mail questions or comments to calsdean@uidaho.edu