Dear Friends,

All things have their season and the last 16 months have proven this to many of us. Now spring has arrived and the world is looking more optimistically to the future. Personally, spring is my favorite time of year. In East Tennessee many people flock to the Smoky Mountains in October to see the golds, reds, and the colors of fall. However, the months of April and May featuring the greening of trees, pastures, and hay fields and the pink, red, and purple of many flowers, have always been my preference.

In thinking of spring as a time to plant, I am reminded of the late Bill Hale, longtime Extension leader in Bradley County. He always told people that May 7 was the date to plant their garden, and that those who were impatient got to plant twice. For UTIA employees and staff, past and present, it is good to remember that our work is done twelve months a year and that research, education, and service are ongoing objectives and improve lives at all times and in all seasons.

Change has been a constant in the lives of all in recent months. Many meetings and trainings have gone virtual and Zoom has taken on a whole new meaning as adjustments have been made to cope with the pandemic. Recently I asked a UTIA retiree if they were ready to attend in person meetings again by fall and the answer was an enthusiastic “yes.” As the weeks pass this idea will be considered and pursued, so stay tuned for more information as the time approaches.

Also on the subject of change, a few days ago UTIA Senior Vice President and Senior Vice Chancellor Tim Cross announced his retirement from the UTIA leadership position. He has served UT with distinction for twenty-seven years and has contributed to the growth and success of many Institute programs. He has exhibited intelligence, common sense, and strength of character in his dealings with all, and amazingly has done it with a positive attitude and good humor. He has been blessed with strong support from his wife, Denise, and their children. I knew years ago that he was an amazing man, when at lunch time one day I went by his office (his wife had a doctor’s appointment), and he had three or four small children “helping” him! While we regret this change for UTIA, we know of no one who deserves his retirement more. Now we can also look forward to having him as a UTIA Retiree Association Member. Best wishes and sincere appreciation are sent to the entire Cross family as they start a new chapter in their lives.

One of the definitions for change is to make different; another is to make fresh or new; yet another is to alter; and finally, to put in place of something else. My hope is that as change has come to each of us, that the challenges have been met, the best choices made, and that the consequences have been positive and beneficial. Let us remember that there is a time to plant and a time to reap, a time to speak and a time to keep silent, and that it is always a good time to serve, have faith, and be glad in all circumstances.

Blessings on you all.
Ruth
Ruth Henderson McQueen