Welcome to our new Program Manager, Devyn Meilleur!

Devyn is the Program Manager for the Agriculture and Natural Resource Center of Excellence (ANR). Devyn supports ongoing work with Career Connect Washington to identify gaps in career connected learning and scale-up those opportunities that are already in place. She is passionate about the mission of ANR to collaborate with partners in business, industry, and education in an effort to create a more equitable workforce.



Devyn graduated from the University of Idaho with a B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Science Production. While there she developed a greater appreciation not only for education but for agriculture and all those who serve the industry. Devyn’s personal interests including angling, backpacking, and hunting over the past 15 years have provided her with a tremendous understanding and gratitude for natural resources and the many industries that serve it.

To contact Devyn: devyn.meilleur@wwcc.edu

Note from the Director

It has been a whirlwind quarter for ANR COE! We have stepped into our Agriculture Sector Intermediary role with Career Connect Washington, hired a Program Manager (welcome, Devyn!) for that work, added a new member to our Advisory Committee (welcome, Sandya!), and are continuing our work with the COE Consortium where we are excited to welcome TWO new COE Directors – Christina Rupp with the Construction Center of Excellence, and Brent Lundstrom with (the all new) Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.

Thank you to all those who have supported us in managing these changes in recent months. New projects are fun, lots of work, and we do not take them on lightly. Our work with Career Connect Washington is focused on identifying existing career connected learning opportunities, and providing opportunities for scale up or replication efforts. If you know of an exceptional opportunity in agriculture or natural resources that fits the bill, please let us know!

Industry Recognized Credential Survey: Be part of the solution in creating talent that meets your needs

We know that workforce development is a major concern for virtually every employer in the state. There simply are not enough skilled, trained and educated workers to fill every job opening. That’s why it’s so important that we help train the next generation of the workforce. For many jobs, this will require some kind of industry-specific certification rather than a two-year or four-year degree.

You can help address the workforce shortage by letting us know it takes to get hired in your industry. Please take a few minutes to answer the following survey about the non-degree credentials that are helpful — or required — in your workplace.

The AWB Institute is working in partnership with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to compile the information into a resource that will guide program development, evaluation for equity and improved outcomes for students.

Walla Walla County Conservation District Annual Meeting Invite

Walla Walla County Conservation District is holding their annual meeting on January 25^th, 2023 at the Walla Walla Airport. Doors will open at 8 and the meeting starts at 8:30. The meeting will include partner updates and the chance to earn 3 pesticide credits for both Washington and Oregon. Coffee and pastries along with lunch will be served.

Contact annie.byerley@wwccd.net with any questions.

Pathways to Excellence 

Looking for a great career opportunity? Whether you're starting to think about career options or looking to change careers, Washington community and technical colleges have the agriculture and natural resource programs to support your pathway to a high-demand career in agriculture and natural resources!