The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences by: Gabrielle Sanderson
On April 3, 2017, the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences was approved by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. This new school will merge the departments of Crop and Soil Environmental sciences; Horticulture; and Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Sciences together. Horticulture has deep ties to Virginia Tech. Back in 1892, one of the first Bachelor of Science degrees at Virginia Tech was awarded to a horticulture major. The Bachelor of Science degree was only awarded to five students, horticulture being one among chemistry, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering. (Aligam) Thinking about the long history of the department, it is
understandable that the first reaction to the new school can be cautious with regards to the integrity of the Horticulture department. Yet, with this new school, the departments will be able to tackle challenges in agriculture and food security, the green industry, plant biology, and the environment. (Barlow) To overcome these challenges the school does not just need a horticulturist, it needs people from other disciplines working together towards a common goal. It is important to note that Horticulture is not disappearing. “We are keeping our horticulture majors,” states Roger Harris, a professor in the Department of Horticulture. “Horticulture isn’t going anywhere, just
