Washington State University is searching for a new director of Clean Plant Center Northwest after Scott Harper has agreed to step down to focus on teaching and research as an associate professor.
The CPCNW, part of a federally funded network that helps prevent the spread of disease in clonally propagated crops, has traditionally been directed by a faculty member. In recent years, the Washington State University-operated facility has seen a surge of new variety launches, many of them proprietary, and has struggled to keep up with customer demand.
“It’s too much for a faculty member to do,” said Scot Hulbert, associate dean of the WSU College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences.
Harper will continue his plant pathology research and teaching at the WSU Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser, where the Clean Plant Center is located. He has agreed to help facilitate the transition to a new director.
“This is something I’ve wanted for a long time,” Harper said.
Last year, the university advertised for an assistant director position to distribute Harper’s workload. Only one candidate met expectations but was prevented from starting work by visa problems, Hulbert said.
Hulbert hopes to have the job filled by the end of this summer.
The new position will not require a doctorate, but experience in plant pathology and management will be preferred, Hulbert said.
—by Ross Courtney
