By MATTHEW WEAVER

Capital Press

Washington State University's new Agricultural Research Center director says he was attracted by the school's strong leadership.

"The dean and associate deans have really done some innovative things coming through tough times, and have lobbied for programs for innovation," said Jim Moyer. "They're admired quite widely."

Moyer will become director of the research center and associate dean for research at WSU's College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences in May. He currently serves as head of the department of plant pathology at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C.

Moyer also pointed to the relationships the university has built with commodity groups, including grain growers and tree fruit growers.

"They're the envy of many states," he said. "When you have all those things coming together, it makes it a very attractive position."

Moyer said he will work to manage the impact of the federal budget sequestration and any other budget issues while working to meet the challenges Washington growers face. He hopes to maintain the quality of research programs and of the relationships between faculty and producers and commissions.

Initially, he plans to spend his time developing relationships on and off campus.

"I'm not coming in with any preconceived notions that I think I know how to do things better than what's already going on there," he said. "Getting a firm grasp of matching the growers' priorities with the capabilities of the (ARC) is going to be the number one priority."

Moyer grew up on a wheat farm in Dayton, Wash., and was involved in 4-H and FFA. He and his brother have maintained interest in the family farm there.