Posted: August 29, 2024
I hope your first week went well and your semester is off to a fantastic start! Please keep an open mind as you start the 2024-2025 academic year…
Embrace opportunity.
That’s my message to you as you begin the 2024-2025 academic year. Learn more—about yourself, your course of study, your community—as a vital member of the Penn State family. Be ready to seize each moment and thrive by staying true in mind, spirit, and your actions. I encourage you to:
Welcome change. You will encounter a lot of new experiences. I suggest you strive for balance—not taking on too much, but still trying things. You’ll gain valuable perspective into what you enjoy, where you excel, and details about yourself that you hadn’t considered. Welcome continual growth and learning into your day-to-day, and success will follow.
Expect challenges. Many of your Penn State peers would agree that nothing worth having comes easy. Seek opportunities to stretch yourself, take on challenges, and tackle your weaknesses. Turn your tenacity to overcome into a superpower.
Support others. Community is one of Penn State’s core values, and in the College of Ag Sciences, our tight-knit community is very special. The well-being of our students, faculty, and staff is our primary focus. Selflessness and providing a helping hand to others will be admired by anyone you meet.
There is something for everyone in the College of Agricultural Sciences. Make the most of every opportunity. Try new things and build meaningful connections in and outside the classroom. Ag Hill is a wonderful place you can call home away from home.
I look forward to seeing you around campus. Embrace what 2024-2025 can offer you. Again, welcome. I wish you a successful start to a great year, and remember that together, we are... PENN STATE!
Tracy Hoover, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education
