Andrew J. Thulin, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES), has announced his plans to retire in December 2023. Thulin, a Cal Poly alumnus, joined CAFES in 1998 as head of its Animal Science Department and has led the college for the last 10 years. Provost Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore will work with Thulin to ensure a smooth transition of the many critical projects underway in the college. A national search for the next dean will be conducted in partnership with an external search firm. During Thulin’s 25-year tenure, more than $230 million was raised for numerous new laboratories and buildings, including the recently completed JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture. As dean, he hired nearly 100 new faculty and his focus on expanding student and faculty success led the way for faculty to grow research grant funding to $21 million in 2022. “It has been my great pleasure to serve as dean for the past 10 years, focusing on developing solutions to food security, environmental sustainability and climate smart agriculture,” Thulin said. “My love for Cal Poly runs deep and I am honored to have spent the last 25 years alongside those who work tirelessly to prepare our graduates to address these global issues. I can retire knowing that the future is in good hands.” Read the full news release.