Joe West describes his tenure as assistant dean of the University of Georgia Tifton Campus as “rewarding.”

“I think we’ve accomplished a lot,” West said. “These nine years, going on 10, have been quite rewarding.”

A dairy scientist by trade, one of West’s biggest contributions as assistant dean has been his oversight of multiple renovation projects designed to provide a fresh, new look for UGA Tifton, especially at the front of campus.

The campus’ first building, the Tift Building, underwent renovations that were finished May 2016. The building now houses campus administration, including the assistant dean’s office, business and public relations offices and the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.

The Animal and Dairy Science Building, located adjacent to the Tift Building, is currently undergoing renovations that are expected to be finished by the end of this year.

“We’ve made a real impact on how we look and the functionality of our campus,” West said. “Not only do these buildings have a more up-to-date look, they also give our scientists much-needed office space and provide our students with additional classroom and lab space.”

West has plans for upcoming projects as well, including the demolition of older, out-of-date buildings and the renovation and upgrade of the campus landscape. He hopes to one day use the Tifton Campus Conference Center space more efficiently.

“I would love to see a portion of it (the Tifton Campus Conference Center) renovated and turned into a dedicated academic space for our students,” West said. “Certainly, I want to see the renovations that are under way through to completion.”

West aims to have most of these renovation projects completed by next year, when the campus’s centennial will be celebrated. It is exciting that UGA Tifton has enjoyed almost a century of service, but West wants to make sure all of the contributions and progress made by those who have worked here over the decades is recognized. A book celebrating the centennial anniversary is being discussed.

“We’ve been, for several years now, digitizing a lot of images,” West said. “We have a writer, we have a publisher and we’re in the process of trying to ferret out all of the information that we need (about) the previous decades of work that has gone on here.”

West said the book’s completion and publication is anticipated for late next year, to coincide with the centennial celebration.

“It (UGA Tifton) has transitioned from research plots that were tilled by draft animals, mules and horses to the … GPS-controlled, modern agricultural equipment that our scientists and farmers are using today,” West said. “I believe that our second century will be amazing, bringing innovations that we can only imagine today. Hopefully, the improvements that we are making … today will set the campus on a track for continued success in the future.”

Julia Rodriquez is an intern on the UGA Tifton Campus.