NERTF Update

Changes in New England Turfgrass Research, Extension & Education

By Gary Sykes

We have had a great run over the last 30+ years with excellent turfgrass academics on the campuses of state universities in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Unfortunately, some of our long-term academics have retired over the past few years.

We start by recognizing Dr. Pat Vittum who left the university in 2017 after 37 years at UMass. In 2018, Olga Kostromystka, Ph.D. was hired as Turfgrass Extension Entomologist. Olga had been doing a Post-doc at Rutgers University. Dr. Rob Wick also retired around this time. Who is going to count all those nematodes?

Michael Sullivan, Ph.D. at URI has entered the ranks of Professor Emeriti, but keeps busy with agronomic consulting opportunities when requested.

Mary Owen retired in 2020. Very much a critical piece of the UMass Turfgrass program, she was the “Turfgrass Team Leader” for many years, covering all aspects of turfgrass management in Massachusetts, but has been well-known nationally with involvement that did not confine her within the boundaries of Massachusetts. Many had wondered how she, without being cloned, could cover everything that she has done. Fortunately, Mary had been grooming a replacement for many of her responsibilities in a very capable Jason Lanier. Jason had been a huge help to our conference. He is currently preparing for 2023 and overseeing UMass Winter School.

Recently, Scott Ebdon, Ph.D. at UMass, and Steve Rackliffe and Karl Guillard, Ph.D. at UConn announced their retirements. These individuals have taught, counseled, researched, and diagnosed many issues throughout New England. We thank them for their past service and are glad that most of them will remain in the area and (we hope) stay engaged in the industry.

There will be some transition as the universities decide the direction to go in hiring qualified individuals. This is where the industry can play an important role in ensuring the sustainability of each program. If you are worried about the viability of the programs; are concerned that critical resources are disappearing and might not be refilled; or individuals will not be attracted to programs that have lost prominent and recognizable figures, you must share your concerns with decision-makers (deans, alumni, provosts). I suggest that every turfgrass industry association write letters and make calls expressing the concerns of their membership that these open positions be filled.

When a person retires from a university, there is no guarantee that the position will be filled unless the Dean and the Provost believe it is essential to the program. An important factor for convincing the decision-makers is an industry show of support.

Let’s talk about some good news! When Pat Vittum decided to retire, UMass stepped up and hired Dr. Olga Kostromytska, Ph.D. This was a great show of support for the industry and the UMass Turf Program. Since then, Mary Owen, Rob Wick and Scott Ebdon all announced their plans to retire. Luckily, Jason Lanier who has worked with Mary for several years has taken on most of her responsibilities and is doing a wonderful job.

UConn has recently hired Cathryn Chapman, Ph.D. and Haiying Tao, Ph.D. Haiying had been working for the Washington State University, but has returned to Connecticut where she’ll be taking over the responsibilities for the MLSN Project that Dr. Guillard had been awarded by NERTF. Cathryn Chapman was recently awarded a Ph.D. in Plant Biology from Rutgers University. Part of her focus will be on strengthening sustainable research in Turfgrass Science. She will be filling some of the gaps that occurred when Steve Rackliffe decided to retire.

The NERTF is looking forward to establishing relationships with these new members of the Turfgrass community and to continue to grow close bonds with all turfgrass appointments. These hires are a great example of the universities’ commitment to their current programs, and we should continue to focus on filling the empty seat left by Dr. Wick and Dr. Ebdon’s soonto-be empty seat at UMass. URI continues to hang-in with renewed hope for new and favorable university administration appointments. So much of the world is about sustainability – a practice that needs to be included our region’s Turfgrass programs too. •

Gary Sykes is Executive Director of the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation. Connect with Gary at gsykes.nertf@gmail.com.