President Albrecht Address Annual Extension Conference

President Stan Albrecht addressed the opening session of the Utah State University Extension Annual Planning and Professional Development Conference on campus March 8.

Albrecht, who grew up on a farm in Wayne County, emphasized he plans a tour of Utah, although he will not milk a cow in each county. His announcement drew applause from the Extension faculty and staff from around the state.

“Today is Utah State’s birthday,” President Albrecht said. “We are 117 years old. To give you some historical perspective, you should note that the salary of the first president of the then Utah Agricultural College was $3,000. In 1892 the budget of the UAC was $108,000 — but in 1894 the legislature cut the budget to $15,000 — so, things have been much worse.”

Albrecht also noted that Old Main was the first weather station in the state because it was the tallest building north of Salt Lake City, making it capable of receiving radio signals from San Francisco. Flag signals then conveyed weather information to the residents of Cache Valley.

Utah State University continues to play an important role in weather. This year the legislature fully funded the Utah Climate Center at Utah State.