WVU Davis College: Celebrating 150 Years by WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES AND DESIGN

Photo: Little Fish Design Company

“I like to say that in this College we are ‘people of purpose,’ determined to do things bigger than ourselves and to make a difference.”

Hello Friends, It is a great pleasure to present this beautiful magazine as a commemorative edition in celebration of the College’s 150th anniversary. Please read it and save it! In these pages you’ll find pictures, memories and many things to be proud of and feel hopeful about. This anniversary year makes us think not only about where we’ve been, but where we’re going and the continued and renewed importance of the WVU Davis College. I like to say that in this College we are “people of purpose,” determined to do things bigger than ourselves and to make a difference. It is no accident that we are here, as the founding college of WVU. What we do is central to the original charter of what makes a land-grant university. In many ways the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design is also a college of utilitarian sciences and creativity. We are concerned with the very basics of life — food, clothing and shelter — yet are also a place of excellence and determination. President Abraham Lincoln established the land-grants when he signed the Morrill Act in 1862, enabling universities like ours to teach agriculture, mechanic arts (now engineering) and military science (now ROTC). West Virginia was formed the following year, in the crucible of the Civil War, and in 1867 the Agricultural College of West Virginia, now WVU, was established.

Our students come from all 55 counties, surrounding states and beyond, and from the farthest reaches of six continents. One of the things we are proudest of, and which is a central part of our culture, is the feeling of oneness and common purpose among our students. When Davis students were asked in surveys to select one word that would best describe their College, the most common words were “family,” “community,” and “home.” Can there be higher praise?

Harless (center) with Amber Hines ’00, ’08, senior director of academic administration (left), and Renee Conneway ’10, ’13, recruitment specialist.

Our terrific faculty and staff make this College run. The staff are the glue that hold it all together, and the faculty create our value. The College is intrinsically linked with the many other important disciplines at WVU. Under the leadership of President E. Gordon Gee and Provost Joyce McConnell, we are a comprehensive university — One WVU. We are part of something bigger than ourselves as WVU Mountaineers! We also work hard every day through research and service to add value across West Virginia and beyond. The world all around us is our front yard, from fashion studios to landscapes to waterways to schools and industries. Like in the great conservationist Teddy Roosevelt’s “arena” — we fight every day to make the world a better place. Your WVU Davis College has been at the forefront of research, service and teaching throughout our history — directly impacting this great state and the condition of people and landscapes everywhere. There is no limit to the work we can do, and the work we must do. This year, as we celebrate WVU’s and our College’s 150th anniversary, without exaggeration we are looking forward and initiating a course for the next 150 years. There is no doubt that we’ll be here then. Continue with us on this journey, as we pursue excellence in our work, every day for at least the next century and a half. On behalf of the WVU Davis College … Let’s go!

John Harless ’19

“Through my journey at WVU, I’ve been shaped by a multitude of people and experiences. My most distinct and memorable experiences have come from my involvement with the Davis College Student Ambassadors. The time spent has not only helped me overcome my fears of public speaking, but has also served as a place to gain confidence in myself.” Bethani Chambers ’16, BSAgr, environmental bers ’16 m a h C i protection n a eth

“The Davis College was the best part of WVU for me. The folks there were always welcoming and inclusive. Dr. Dennis Smith had a great influence on my career and made me more open to new ideas and ways of viewing the world.” Amy Burt McBrayer ’12, BS, agribusiness management and rural development, BS, mining engineering

“I’m from West Virginia, and being that the Davis College is the very first college of West Virginia University, I’m honored to be a part of it.” Dalton Miller ’17, BMDS, multidisciplinary studies

Dalton Miller ’17

“My experiences at WVU have been extremely beneficial to my professional development. My time spent pursuing independent studies with Assistant Professor Peter Butler has exposed me to interesting community outreach projects throughout West Virginia. These projects allowed me to engage with communities and aid in the process of defining their visions. It has been extremely rewarding and has prepared me for a successful career.” Connor Price ’17, BSLA, landscape architecture

C onn or P rice ’17

An Alumni Association hat from the 1990s and a commemorative medallion recognizing the establishment of the first experiment stations in the country.

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Daniel J. Robison Dean, WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

“Every teacher I had was special. In particular, my academic advisors were exceptional; I was just so pleased with the counseling I received. Our College has been very strong in that area over the years.” Jeanne Sheets Carter ’52, ’70, BSHE, vocational home economics, MA, counseling and guidance

Photo: Brian Persinger

Letter from The Dean

“I love the Davis College because it has made me feel at home during an uncertain time in my life and has given me opportunities I would have never had anywhere else.” John Harless, animal and nutritional sciences major, expected year of graduation: 2019

Message from the President and Provost West Virginia Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural sciences programs came to life 150 years ago as the University itself did, in the aftermath of the Civil War, to bring the fruits of higher learning to all West Virginians. Today, the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design is helping the University usher in a new era of cutting-edge learning and discovery for 21st century Mountaineers. And, true to our land-grant heritage, it is helping us redouble our service to West Virginia and the world. Our mission of improving education, health and prosperity spans every discipline at West Virginia University. And because innovation in agriculture and natural resources matters greatly to West Virginians, the Davis College matters â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and will always be at the heart of our work.

This year West Virginia University turned 150. Celebrating our birthday has meant looking back, reflecting on our growth from a small agricultural college to a multi-campus Research One (R1) institution. It also means looking forward, envisioning many more years of transforming our world for the better. Whichever way we look, we see the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, the college on which we built our foundation 150 years ago and a vibrant academic unit today. Davis College faculty are passionate about resource management, animal science and the design of beautiful spaces. Their students are the innovators of tomorrow. Together, they are improving the lives of the people of our state and protecting our natural world.

E. Gordon Gee President, West Virginia University

Joyce E. McConnell Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, West Virginia University

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A Note from the Editor

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At the start of the spring 2017 semester, Dean Robison met with a group of Davis College graduate students and shared some thoughts about the future of the College. Where is it headed? And how will it get there? He addressed those questions by outlining three tactics. First, we must continue to work together, seeking out opportunities to synergize our ideas. Second, we must become more efficient in what we do. And finally, we must set an expectation of ourselves to always strive for excellence. Throughout the course of this project, it’s been easy to identify the many parallels that exist between the Dean’s affirmations and the scholarly and collaborative pursuits that occurred over the course of the first 150 years. When the Agricultural College of West Virginia was first established, it didn’t have much. The

Scenes from WVU’s 150th anniversary celebration kick off event, held in the Agricultural Sciences Building on February 7, 2017. Photos: M.G. Ellis

“This magazine is filled with numerous success stories that illustrate how the College’s students, faculty and the community have worked together, holding themselves to a standard of excellence.”

Experiment Station, established roughly 20 years later, had even less. Yet, somehow, those early College “ancestors” persisted and thrived. They operated with utmost efficiency while making unprecedented scientific discoveries and providing service and outreach to people throughout the state. And this is no less true in more recent years. This magazine is filled with numerous success stories that illustrate how the College’s students, faculty and many state and federal partners have worked together while holding themselves to a standard of excellence. And this publication, in itself, is a result of a remarkable spirit of collaboration. I’m indebted to many people, including current and former Davis

College faculty and staff, as well as alumni, who shared their time and expertise throughout the course of this project. Chief among them is Bob Dailey, whose ongoing guidance and feedback was invaluable. His book, “History of the Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences at West Virginia University,” served as another indispensable resource. The West Virginia and Regional History Center has been a great partner, providing expert guidance and unfettered access to a wealth of its resources. “The First 100 Years,” by Ernest Nesius, was another great resource. His thorough collection of facts and images bound together by his enlightening narrative was a cornerstone for developing the historical timeline. Little Fish Design Company has been an exceptional partner, providing insightful, intuitive design expertise. And, as always, University Relations – in particular, Kathy Deweese, who spent many hours proofing and editing – has been especially supportive and helpful. Finally, I am so appreciative of my Davis College Advancement colleagues, who, in addition to making their own significant contributions – from writing and editing to helping me identify obscure resources to scanning hundreds of photos and other ephemera – continually offered their time, encouragement and project feedback. I am grateful to be a part of a team of caring and supportive doers. I look forward to seeing more parallels unfold as the College, poised to continue its tradition of excellence, launches into its next 150-year chapter.

Nikky Luna, Editor

CONTENTS Fall 2017 Special 150th Anniversary Edition

ADMINISTRATION E. Gordon Gee President, West Virginia University Joyce McConnell Provost DEAN Daniel J. Robison EDITORIAL TEAM Nikky Luna, Executive Editor Julie Cryser, Associate Editor Lindsay Willey, Associate Editor Kathy Deweese, Director, University Content CONTRIBUTORS Steve Bonanno John Cuthbert Robert Dailey Courtney Gatto DESIGN Little Fish Design Company PHOTOGRAPHY M.G. Ellis Brian Persinger Lindsay Willey Little Fish Design Company West Virginia and Regional History Center Submitted Photos

IN COLLABORATION WITH THE WEST VIRGINIA AND REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER

PAST

Fulfilling the Land-Grant Mission for 150 Years

The WVU Davis College has developed a rich history of scholarly achievements, breakthroughs in research and service-oriented collaborations that have defined the College’s core values and mission as the University’s founding academic unit.

PRESENT

Who We Are Now

Throughout its history, the WVU Davis College has grown and evolved, but one thing has remained constant: its commitment to highquality undergraduate and graduate education.

FUTURE

The Next 150 Years

WVU Davis College leaders and graduates share their thoughts about the future.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design Office of the Dean P.O. Box 6108 Morgantown, WV 26506-6108 Email: DavisComm@mail.wvu.edu

davis.wvu.edu

Snapshot A 1960s view of the WVU Animal Sciences Farm.

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CHANGE OF ADDRESS WVU Foundation P.O. Box 1650 Morgantown, WV 26504-1650 Email: info@wvuf.org

86 Deans and Directors 88 Farms and Forests 90 Student Organizations 96 Leading with Distinction 98 From the Transcripts

Fulfilling the Land-Grant Mission for 150 Years In 150 years of existence, the West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design has been ever-evolving. Decades of change have resulted in technological innovations, facility makeovers and the progress of agriculture as an industry. COMPILED BY NIKKY LUNA AND COURTNEY GATTO IN COLLABORATION WITH THE WEST VIRGINIA AND REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER

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AND WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY JOHN D. PERDUE, WEST VIRGINIA STATE TREASURER

The following pages will lead you through the historical journey of the WVU Davis College, a journey that resonates deeply with me. As a young man from rural West Virginia, I grew up learning how to sow and reap the rewards from our rich soil. I graduated from the WVU Davis College with experience beyond the farmland. My time as a student helped shape my lifelong career as a public servant and as West Virginia’s State Treasurer. While our journeys may be different, there are some experiences that transcend. The nurturing, attention, knowledge and friendships we share have become the true foundation of the Davis College. Those are the very reasons our students become strong, progressive leaders year after year. Over the course of one-and-a-half centuries, the WVU Davis College and its members have made immeasurable contributions to the state and nation. Through education, research and outreach, the College has become a leader in the industry. It’s hard to believe it all started with humble beginnings early in our state’s history. In 1867 the Agricultural College of West Virginia was founded in Morgantown with only a handful of students. It was later named West Virginia University, and the WVU Davis College became part of a larger mission. Since then, the areas of study have become more diverse, appealing to more people and offering greater opportunities. Today, the WVU Davis College has more than 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students. The College offers 22 majors for its undergrads and a combined 27 programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. The College has been through many changes throughout the decades. The hope is that change equals progress. I believe we have a strong evidence of that progress thanks to innovative students and faculty. I appreciate the role the WVU Davis College has fulfilled to our state over the past 150 years, and I look forward to the future with great anticipation. Sincerely,

John D. Perdue West Virginia State Treasurer and Chairman, WVU Davis College Visiting Committee

In the mid-nineteenth century, a movement for the creation of agricultural colleges emerged as cities and industrial centers began to grow, creating a rapidly developing market for farm produce. At the time, higher education was widely inaccessible to agricultural and industrial workers.

On July 2, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act, also known as the Land-Grant College Act, presented by Congressman Justin Smith Morrill. It assisted states in financing colleges that would specialize in agriculture and mechanic arts through the sale of federal land grants, offering 30,000 acres per congressional seat, per state. The state of West Virginia was formed on June 20, 1863, and, shortly thereafter, West Virginia Governor Arthur Boreman accepts the conditions of the Morrill Act. West Virginia is granted 150,000 acres of federally-owned land, located in Minnesota and Iowa, that sells for approximately 50 cents an acre. Justin Smith Morrill

Arthur Boreman

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1867 February 7

College Town Contenders

Morgantown is selected as the site for the institution, Bethany Brooke Co. named the Agricultural College of Greenwood West Virginia. Doddridge Co.

Ravenswood Jackson Co.

Point Pleasant Mason Co.

Harrisville Ritchie Co.

Nine West Virginia towns applied for consideration as the State contemplated the location for the new college: Bethany in Brooke County; Frankford in Greenbrier; Greenwood in Doddridge; Harrisville in Ritchie; Morgantown in Monongalia; Philippi in Barbour; Point Pleasant in Mason; Ravenswood in Jackson; and Spencer in Roane. Larger towns such as Charleston, Clarksburg, Parkersburg and Wheeling did not formally apply, as they feared it might lessen their chances to obtain the state capital.

Morgantown Monongalia Co.

Philippi

Barbour Co.

Spencer

Roane Co.

Frankford

Greenbrier Co.

By introducing a bill that offered the properties of Monongalia Academy (pictured) and Woodburn Seminary to the State, Senator William Price of Monongalia County helped convince the Legislature to locate the Agricultural College in Morgantown.

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First Board of Visitors

The first Board of Visitors of the Agricultural College of West Virginia was composed of one member from each of the 11 state senatorial districts. This governing body first met on April 3, 1867, in the Woodburn Seminary building.

April 3

September

The Reverend Alexander Martin, who was unanimously elected by the Board, begins his term as the first college president. He serves as president from April 3, 1867, to August 12, 1875. At the time, there was a national trend for appointing ministers as presidents of the new land-grant colleges, despite scrutiny of some critics.

The Agricultural College of West Virginia opens with an inaugural class of 124 students, of which six were college-level and 118 in the Preparatory Department. The University is organized into three instructional departments – collegiate, scientific and agricultural – as well as a military tactics department and Preparatory School.

MEET

President Martin

• Born on January 24, 1822, in northern Scotland

and educated in the United States, obtaining his Doctor of Divinity. • Graduated at the head of his class at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. • Had a strong background in education administration and the Methodist ministry. • His formal inauguration as President of the Agricultural College was June 27, 1867. • He did not want the school to be a "farmer’s school.” Rather, he hoped to make it more like a liberal arts college and convinced Governor Boreman to change the name of the institution to West Virginia University in 1868.

Tuition, Room and Board: Agricultural College of West Virginia

W VU’s Firs Presidet nt

TUITION PER 13-WEEK TERM: $8.00 for the college class $5.00 for the preparatory class $3.00 for the primary classes

ROOM AND BOARD: $3.50 per week

ESTIMATED COST FOR THE FULL YEAR: between $187.50 and $249.00

STUDENT-TOFACULTY RATIO: 6:6

According to the 1868 annual report, students could reside in College Hall, which

“enabled Parents to place their sons under the immediate personal supervision of President and Faculty, and so relieve themselves from the apprehension of detriment to the moral character while away from parental influence.”

1868 June

The institution is renamed.

Q U O TA B L E

Rev. Alexander Martin, West Virginia University’s First President Excerpted from the 1867 inaugural address

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In one form or another the College is an essential element of every prosperous State. The children of the Commonwealth constitute its richest treasure, its most productive capital; and its highest function as well as the best test of its progress relative to other States is found in its ability to properly educate them.

1870s 1870

The Monongalia Academy is sold and the proceeds go toward building University Hall to house University administration. It is renamed Preparatory Hall in 1876 before becoming Martin Hall in 1889, in honor of WVU’s first president.

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1872

The Legislature appropriates$2,500 for the construction of an armory building. The Amory, which opened in 1873, becomes the home to the Agricultural Experiment Station, and later the site for the mast of the U.S.S. West Virginia following World War II.

1872-73

A relatively new Board of Regents places more emphasis on agriculture, establishing the School of Agriculture, Chemistry and Natural History in the Agricultural Department. William M. Fontaine, A.M., is named professor of the department, though he is not an agriculturist.

1876

New Hall is constructed at a cost of $41,500 on the former Woodburn Seminary site, which burned down on January 25, 1873. The new facility is renamed University Hall in 1878, then Woodburn Hall in 1902. It becomes the home to the agricultural editor and home economics.

The Grange Gains a Voice The Grange, a national society of farmers organized in 1867, established its first West Virginia lodge in the early 1870s at Summit Point in Jefferson County. West Virginia’s State Grange, which began gaining an important voice in politics soon after its establishment, demanded a comprehensive agricultural program in the 1870s. They considered the efforts of the Agricultural College as “unsuccessful and farcical.”

1880s 1880

The School of Agriculture, Chemistry and Natural History changes its name to the School of Agriculture, Chemistry and Physics . Professor Woodville Latham, Jr., replaces Fontaine.

1887

1885

March 2

Congress approves the Hatch Act, establishing “agricultural experiment stations” within each state. Its passage represented the culmination of an effort by the nation’s leading agriculturists, extending over a quarter of a century, to bring scientific study to the farm.

A.R. Whitehill is appointed professor of the school, replacing Latham. Neither Latham nor Whitehill held agriculture degrees.

MEET

First t en Ex per imn Stat io r Directo

John Myers • Trained in chemistry and physics at Bethany College, West Virginia.

• Studied in Germany and was well-traveled. • Came to WVU after organizing the Experiment Station at the Agricultural and Mechanics College in Mississippi. • Later served as the first dean of the WVU Agriculture College and Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station. • Began the practice of issuing Experiment Station Bulletins, reporting on the research activity of the Station.

West Virginia University adopts the conditions of the Act and, on June 11, establishes a “skeletal organization of the West Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station.” The Experiment Station is placed in Morgantown as a separate unit within the University. John Myers is elected by the Board as the first Experiment Station director.

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1888

MEET

First W V U’s ale Fem te Gr a du a

Harriet E.Lyon • Was born in Fredonia, New York. • Moved to Morgantown in 1867 when her father,

Franklin Smith Lyon, accepted a position at the West Virginia Agricultural College as professor of English literature and principal of the Preparatory Department. • After graduating valedictorian in the 14-member class of 1891, of which she was the only woman, Harriet Lyon returned to Fredonia and married Franklin Jewett, a professor of science at the Fredonia Normal School. • She was the grandniece of Mary Lyon, the founder of Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. • She raised four children and was active as a musician, singer and community leader.

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West Virginia University’s armory is remodeled to become the first Agricultural Experiment Station, also known as Agricultural Hall. This becomes the hub for agricultural programs.

1889 June 11

September 11

The Board of Regents adopts a resolution allowing for the admission of women into all University departments starting September 1.

Ten women enter WVU as degree candidates. Among them is Harriet E. Lyon, a transfer student from Vassar College, who became WVU’s first female graduate, finishing at the top of her class.

1890s

1891

T. Clark Atkeson, instructor of agriculture in the Experiment Station, is named professor of agriculture in the Collegiate Department. The Experiment Station begins tests of commercial fertilizers for farmers.

Atkeson, at far right, and other faculty at commencement, ca. 1905.

1892

C.F. Millspaugh, botanist and microscopist, describes 200 weeds in illustrated bulletin. At this the point, the University is comprised of four departments â&#x20AC;&#x201C; collegiate, military, law and preparatory â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the Agricultural Experiment Station. A Bachelor of Agriculture was offered as a course of study in the collegiate department.

1893

A Bachelor of Science in Agriculture is established, and the department is listed in the University catalog as a technical school.

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Andrew D. Hopkins, a self-taught entomologist, publishes Experiment Station Bulletin Nos. 31 and 32 after collecting over 20,000 insect specimens, including 120 species never before recorded in scientific literature. This was the first scientific study of West Virginia insects. Hopkins, who is considered as one of the founders of the profession of forest entomology, left the Station in 1902 to become chief entomologist of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

1890s

The Father of Forest Entomology

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WRITTEN BY JOHN CUTHBERT

Among the luminaries affiliated with the Davis College during its 150-year history, perhaps no star shines more brightly than Andrew Delmar Hopkins (1857-1948). Regarded as the father of forest entomology in America, Hopkins made WVU’s Agricultural Experiment Station one of the most notable of its kind in the nation. Born near Ripley, in Jackson County (then part of Harrison County), Hopkins began studying plants and the insects that devour them when he was still just a boy. By the time he assumed management of his grandfather’s Wood County farm at age 17, he was locally renowned as an authority. He went on to contribute to the advancement of agriculture in his region in many other ways in the ensuing years, including co-founding the Jackson County Fair, a livestock breeders’ association and a state farmers’ institute. In 1889, when the newly created Agricultural Experiment Station at WVU invited applications for a state entomologist, Hopkins threw his hat into the ring. Despite his achievements, his candidacy was initially rejected due to his lack of formal training. Only after he submitted a set of skillfully rendered drawings and detailed observations of the depredations of the raspberry stem borer was his candidacy taken seriously. On March 1, 1890, Hopkins joined the Experiment Station on a trial basis at a salary of $50 per week. His charge was a considerable one: to isolate and describe the insects of greatest threat to West Virginia and develop methods of

responding to them. Hopkins made field trips throughout the state that summer and ended up focusing his work on two primary menaces, a bark beetle infesting the state’s Eastern Panhandle and the ubiquitous Hessian fly then wreaking havoc on wheat crops. Hopkins’ work on the latter pest was destined to become a classic. Finding that delayed planting kept the fly under control, he developed a schedule based on date, climate and altitude that determined the ideal planting times for wheat in locations throughout West Virginia. This method was ultimately adopted across the nation and became the basis for what is now referred to as Hopkins’ Bioclimatic Law. Needless to say, Hopkins “trial” performance proved quite satisfactory. In fact, he was appointed Professor of Economic Entomology the following year, awarded an honorary PhD the year after that, and soon found himself vice director of the Experiment Station. Hopkins continued his groundbreaking research at WVU for 12 years before he was summoned to Washington, D.C., in 1902 to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was named head of the Bureau of Entomology’s new Division of Forest Insect Investigations two years later. Hopkins spent the next two decades launching a national program to battle insects threatening the nation’s forests, including the bark beetle family, which proved to be a lifelong nemesis. His research is a cornerstone of American forest entomology to this day.

Retiring in 1923, Hopkins spent his final years on his Wood County farm, where he resumed his groundbreaking work in “bioclimatics,” a field he invented. To honor him and support his efforts, the Department of Agriculture designated Hopkins’ Kanawha Farms as an official USDA base station for bioclimatic research. In recognition of Hopkins’ achievements, in 1983, on the 35th anniversary of his death, the Southern Forest Insect Work Conference introduced the A.D. Hopkins Award. The Conference’s website sums up his contributions to agriculture and forestry with the following words:

“In terms of the sheer volume and diversity of scientific works, Hopkins had no peer and probably will never have. His Bioclimatic Law and Hopkins’ Host Selection Principle will ensure that we scientists do not forget him and that we will always have something about which to argue. A.D. Hopkins was a true pioneer, and he was one of the most outstanding scientists of his time.” A.D. Hopkins in his Kanawha Farm bamboo patch, April 1938. Opposite: Hopkins in his Experiment Station lab.

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1893

James M. Johnson graduates as the first graduate with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. Science Hall, the last building to be constructed in Woodburn Circle, is completed and houses plant pathology and bacteriology. It was renamed Chitwood Hall in 1972, in honor of Oliver Chitwood, long-time professor of history.

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1895

The Agricultural College is established within the University. According to the 1895-96 University Catalogue, it was “organized as a department of the West Virginia University … [and] … now recognized as a college with a complete Faculty and course of study intended to fully equip young men for the highest practical and scientific agricultural pursuits.” In 1897, the name is reformatted as the College of Agriculture.

John Myers is named Dean of the Agricultural College and retains the position of Experiment Station director until 1897, when the two positions are separated.

26 Years in the Making According to “The First 100 Years” by Ernest J. Nesius, 26 years passed before agriculture was recognized as a “legitimate academic unit,” at which point it began offering a four-year Bachelor of Science. The first trained agriculturist (F. William Rane) was not hired until 1895.

The first Experiment Station farm is purchased in Morgantown, just one-and-a-half miles from the University. The 81-acre farm costs the state $3,900 and is used as a poultry unit. Fruit and garden crops are also grown for experimental use.

LOOK

Back in Time

1896 1896 WVU Board of Regents Front row: A.B. Brown; George C. Sturgiss, President of Board; William E. Powell. Second Row: A.H. Kunst, J.M. See, Stuart F. Reed, J.F. Brown. Third row: T.C. Atkeson; James L. Goodknight, WVU President; Rich R. McMahon, James L. Hamill.

B.H. Hite, Station chemist, begins experiments on high-pressure sterilization of milk, meat and fruit juices. T.C. Johnson, first student to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, graduates.

1898

The Department of Domestic Sciences is established in the College of Arts and Sciences. Hannah Belle Clark is hired as professor and first Dean of Women the following year.

John Myers is relieved of his position as dean and director. T. Clark Atkeson is appointed dean of the College, and James Henry Stewart is appointed director of the Experiment Station.

Philosophy Shift A sharp change in philosophy came with the appointment of Stewart as Experiment Station director. He shifted the focus toward applied research that could be carried out directly on the farm. Stewart was proactive in informing the public about the happenings at the Station, regularly reporting to the State Grange, Morgantown Post-Chronicle, The Wheeling Intelligencer and the Daily Gazette.

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1896 Freshman Class

1897

1899

On May 1, the original Experiment Station farm is sold and a 90-acre farm on the outskirts of Morgantown is purchased for $5,484.

Horace Atwood, Experiment Station scientist, publishes the first of his 32 bulletins on poultry production.

1900s 1900

Six departments in the College of Agriculture are formed: • Agricultural Chemistry • Agriculture • Economic Botany • Economic Entomology • Horticulture and Forestry • Veterinary Science

1903

The first dairy herd is purchased.

LOOK

Back in Time

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The “Dean’s House”

Horace Atwood was the first staff member to reside in the colonial brick residence that was built in 1854 on the newly acquired Dairy Farm. The house later became known as the “Dean’s House,” serving as the residence for the College deans until 1958. In 1976, the historic red brick house was renamed the Bicentennial House when it served as home to Monongalia County’s display honoring the National Bicentennial. On November 21, 1991, the Bicentennial House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

1901 State Board of Agriculture Front row: Abraham McCullough, President, John B. Garvin, Secretary, E.J. Humphrey, Irene C. Dick, Stenographer, Charles P. Light Back row: R.E. Thrasher, M.V. Brown, W.D. Zinn, H.A. Hartley

1906

The University offers its first forestry training with the appointment of Professor A.W. Nolan to the College of Agriculture. Despite the popularity of forestry courses among the students, courses were discontinued after Nolan left in 1910.

Students in Nolanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forestry class doing fieldwork.

1907

The agricultural extension department is established and D.W. Working is appointed as department superintendent.

1908

In response to Atwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success with poultry production, the first poultry house is constructed on the Experiment Station Farm.

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1910s 1910

Home Economics unit is established, enabling students to earn a professional degree – a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics – in the College of Agriculture. They could also earn a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in home economics, in the College of Arts and Sciences. At this time, the University consisted of four colleges: Arts and Sciences, including the Department of Military Science; Engineering and Mechanic Arts; Agriculture; and Law.

LOOK

Back in Time 1911

The State Legislature changes the name of the State Board of Agriculture to the Department of Agriculture. The first commissioner was Howard E. Williams.

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The Agricultural Extension Division is established within the College of Agriculture, and the first county extension program begins the following the year.

Agricultural exhibits tour the state on special trains, in cooperation with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, bringing College and Station specialists to farmers. Thousands of people hear talks and see demonstrations, often involving fruit and grain exhibits, sample soils, spraying apparatuses and other items.

1914

Sanderson increases the Station Staff with 17 new appointments. At the same time, the Station receives five resignations.

Above: College of Agriculture students and faculty, 1911 Above, left: Agriculture freshmen with county banners, ca. 1910

The Smith-Lever Act initiates federal funding to establish the Cooperative Extension Service to aid in disseminating to the public useful and practical information related to agriculture and home economics and to encourage its application. A Master of Science in Agriculture is established. The Department of Domestic Science transfers to the Department of Home Economics in the College of Agriculture.

1912

Dwight E. Sanderson is named station director and dean of the College of Agriculture, combing both positions for the first time since 1897. He reorganizes the College, creating departments of agronomy, animal husbandry, dairy husbandry, farm management, forestry, horticulture, poultry husbandry and soils. Throughout his tenure, Sanderson’s efforts centered on uniting all three parts of the agricultural program – instruction, research and extension – by placing them under the same department and supervision.

Seven farms are purchased in Morgantown, giving the Station a total of 687 acres.

Randolph County Extension Agent J. Versus Shipman holds the first county 4-H camp on the Jackson Crouch farm.

1917 Ruth Colwell, first chairperson of home economics.

On February 27, the Lawrence A. Reymann farm in Hardy County is donated to the Experiment Station. Included are 931 acres of land, 74 Ayrshire dairy cows, three bulls, 13 calves, horses, swine, machinery, and a cheese factory.

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Experiments in cream and butter production and the preservation of milk under pressure occupied much of the Station’s early years. This research was carried out in the creamery in the basement of the Station building.

1915

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1917

The Reymann Memorial Farm: 100 Years of Research and Growth WRITTEN BY COURTNEY GATTO

Farms, both small and large, exist all across the rolling hills of West Virginia. However, one in particular stands out above the rest.

(L-R): Bull sale arena; cheese stored at the farm in the early 1920s; West Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd and representatives from WVU and the poultry industry break ground on a new poultry facility; beef barn.

As the years went on, the farm continued to grow and develop in both size and functionality. Multiple new facilities were built, and new research endeavors were put into place. Arguably, the most notable advancement at Reymann Memorial Farm occurred in 1967. Wardensville was chosen as the site for the West Virginia Bull Evaluation program — the first of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region. The purpose of this program is to assess and identify superior bulls, which are later sold in the farm’s annual Bull Sale. Reymann Memorial Farm has been a key part of the WVU Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension Service for the past 100 years. A farm that once relied heavily on the use of horsepower has grown and developed into the modern world with the use of machinery and technology. Today, the farm is home to a cattle performance barn, cattle research barn, a broiler and breeder building and several other facilities. In addition to the five full-time employees who are primarily responsible for operating the farm, volunteers and Davis College graduate students often assist with daily activities and research. Research spans many areas, including field crops, livestock, poultry, aquaculture and horticultural crops. According to WVU Extension Livestock Production Specialist Kevin Shaffer, “The research conducted at the Wardensville Farm impacts beef, poultry and sheep production by providing knowledge that is shared and applied across the state and beyond.”

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Just two miles off Highway 259, situated along the Capon River near Wardensville, rests a plot of land that has helped the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design grow throughout the years and fulfill its mission of being a research institution. In 1917, the Anton Reymann family of Wheeling donated Reymann Memorial Farm to West Virginia University in honor of Lawrence A. Reymann. The now 996-acre farm is home to several research endeavors, facilities and programs that not only help improve the quality of agriculture in West Virginia, but worldwide. In the early days, however, Reymann Memorial Farm was merely a glimpse of possibility. When the property was originally gifted, it was required that the University give particular care and attention to the development of the Ayrshire cows, bulls and calves that were given along with the farm. To meet this requirement, the farm began manufacturing cheese, since the product kept well and could be shipped long distances. However, after World War I, cheese prices plummeted, causing the farm to operate at a loss and forcing the University to look for alternative means of revenue. In 1920, however, the farm was given another chance. The Winchester Western Railroad had been extended to Wardensville, opening up the farm to the bustling Washington, D.C., market. A large dairy barn was constructed that enabled the production of cream and skim milk, allowing the farm to operate with income once again.

1917

The Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act is enacted, providing federal funding to promote vocational education in agriculture, industrial trades and home economics.

1918

Oglebay Hall is completed and becomes home to the College of Agriculture.

Lulu May Johnson is the first graduate of the domestic science program.

In response to the movement to promote agricultural education, the College began providing courses that spanned four- to twelve-week periods in the early 1900s.

1920s 1920

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The Experiment Station publishes “West Virginia Trees,” by A.B. Brooks, Station researcher who traveled through every part of West Virginia to gather information on the state’s forests. Brooks received a bachelor’s in agriculture from WVU in 1912.

LOOK

Back in Time

World War I veterans enrolled in the College of Agriculture, 1920.

1922

Shifting the Focus Henry G. Knight is appointed Experiment Station director. While serving in this role from 1922 to 1927 – and also as dean of the College of Agriculture from 1926 to 1927 – Knight reassesses and reshapes the Experiment Station’s purpose. Up to this point, the Station had been perceived as a place for providing free resources and services, like seeds, plants and agricultural advice. Since those needs were being met by the Agricultural Extension Service, the State Department of Agriculture and other agricultural agencies, Knight decided to shift the Station’s focus toward research that would address the problems related to the “first thoughts of all people – adequate supplies for food and clothing.”

1924

A dairy barn is built on the Experiment Farm in Morgantown. The $30,000 structure housed 40 cows and included two 100-ton silos.

The Purnell Act makes additional federal funding available for research that supports a permanent and efficient agricultural industry and develops and improves rural life.

1929

The first Master of Science in agricultural education is awarded.

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1925

1930s 1930

The Experiment Station purchases a 165-acre tract near Kearneysville in Jefferson County for $26,000.

1931

The first master’s degrees in animal husbandry and plant and soil sciences are awarded.

Graduate school is established in the University.

Fruit Growers Conference at the Kearneysville Experiment Station Farm, 1930.

Plant pathology lab in Oglebay Hall, ca. 1930.

1932

The first doctoral degree in plant pathology is awarded.

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The Board of Governors establishes a two-year program in forestry.

1936

W.C. Percival is hired to lead the Division of Forestry, serving in this role until his retirement in 1966. The first master’s degree in farm economics is awarded.

Animal husbandry barn, ca. 1920.

1933

The first master’s degree in agricultural chemistry is awarded.

1937

On March 13, appropriations are made by the State Legislature to support a permanent four-year professional program for training foresters, establishing a Bachelor of Science in Forestry.

The Board of Governors changes the College of Agricultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name to the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Home Economics.

The Beaumont House, which adjoined Oglebay, is approved for purchase. It becomes home to the Department of Agricultural Economics.

The West Virginia Forest Products Association, a timber processing cooperative, is formed under the West Virginia Cooperative Act. On August 21, the Dairy Barn at Reymann Memorial Farm burns down after being struck by lightning. Though no animals or research records were lost, overall losses totaled approximately $40,000.

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The first comprehensive soil classification map of West Virginia, prepared by G.G. Pohlman, is published as Experiment Station Bulletin 284. This set the standard for soil mapping projects across the country.

1940s

In the early 1940s, the Forestry Alumni Association becomes active. Today, the organization is known as the WVU Davis College Forestry and Natural Resources Alumni Association.

1941

The first graduating class of the Forestry program.

The Dairy Farm is enlarged by 29.5 acres, bringing the total acreage to 204.5. The size of the Animal Husbandry farm is also increased by 261.5 acres.

1948

The value of all farm facilities is assessed, totaling $347,545.

1943

The State provides 8,000 acres within Coopers Rock State Forest to the Experiment Station to conduct its forest management research. In 1959, this tract becomes known as the University Forest.

An additional 57-acre farm is added to Reymann Memorial Farm.

1944

The Arthurdale Homestead Farm in Preston County is acquired from the federal government for experimental work on small grains, potatoes and other upland crops. The 457-acre farm is now part of the J.W. Ruby Research Farm in Reedsville.

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Clayton Orton, dean and director, and the faculty establish the Hillculture Project, seeking ways to improve the living conditions of families on hill and mountain farms. It was funded by an annual $3,500 grant, over a three-year period, from the Sears-Roebuck Foundation.

Forestry Faculty and Cooperating Faculty, 1946. Front: R.E. Nelson, Earl L. Core, Dean Clayton R. Orton, W.C. Percival, R.B. Smith Back: J.G. Leach, Harvey D. Erickson, Lowell Besley. G.G. Pohlman, J.M. Peairs, Torkel Holsoe. Not pictured: M.G. Brooks, E.W. Beatty

1946

The Experiment Station trades acreage from the original Agronomy Farm, acquired in 1915, to Morgantown to build an airport, receiving the county farm in return.

1947

“Feeds of the World,” by Experiment Station scientist Burch Schneider, describes more than 2,000 animal feeds in use throughout the world.

1949

The University leases a 495-acre tract near Elkins from the U.S. Department of Health. In 1970, it was deeded to the University, and is now known as the Tygart Valley Forest.

1950s 1950

The Experiment Station research staff grows to 85 persons. From that group, 121 research projects were in progress.

1951

WVUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Block and Bridle Club hosts the first Little Eastern National Livestock Show. Though some sources indicate the event was initiated in 1949, a 1960 program, pictured here, indicates â&#x20AC;&#x2122;51 as the inaugural year.

1952

Plant pathology and bacteriology move into the newly constructed Brooks Hall.

1953

In the early 1950s, oak wilt disease threatened forests across the Eastern United States. Experiment Station plant pathologist H.L. Barnett and his colleagues identified and isolated the fungus that causes the disease, sparing trees in West Virginia and elsewhere from widespread destruction.

1954

Poultry researcher Norman Olson isolates the infectious synovitis virus, which killed young chicks before they had a chance to grow. His work led to the elimination of this threat from the industry.

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1957

A study by Homer C. Evans on the competition among apple processors in the Appalachian area is recognized with a “best thesis” award from the American Farm Economics Association.

1959

A 99-year lease is made for the University Forest from the West Virginia State Division of Forestry. The forest is part of the original Coopers Rock State Forest. It supports programs in the College’s Division of Forestry and is used extensively as an outdoor laboratory. The Agronomy Farm is acquired in a trade for land to the airport.

Graduating with a Home Economics and Nutrition degree, Annette Chandler Broome (right) of Morgantown is the firstknown African American woman to earn an undergraduate degree from WVU.

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1960s

LOOK

Back in Time

Shortly after being established, the WVU Soil Testing Laboratory receives State funding and begins providing basic soil fertility analysis to all West Virginia landowners and producers.

Soil sample boxes, first used in the late 1960s, are still utilized today to store and catalog soil samples in the lab.

Learn more:

soiltesting.wvu.edu

More efficient, large-scale poultry production buildings were developed by Alfred Longhouse, professor and chairman of the Department of Agricultural Engineering.

1961 The Agricultural Sciences Building and Agricultural Sciences Annex are completed on Evansdale, becoming home to many of the Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs that were previously located Downtown. Forestry, plant pathology and the editorial office remained Downtown.

Mannon Gallegly, plant pathologist, receives the Campbell Soup Company award of $1,500 for his outstanding research on vegetables, which led to the development of a late blight resistant tomato that he releases a few years later.

An aerial view of the Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Engineering and Engineering buildings, ca. 1960.

Cooperative projects with Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are initiatied with the goal of providing assistance in developing higher education facilities and training future agricultural leaders.

UGANDA KENYA

TANZANIA

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1961

A Life Well Spent

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When Bob Maxwell accepted the position to teach vocational agriculture for a project in Kenya in 1960, he had no idea it would become the first of several trips to East Africa.

“When I married Bob, I thought I was marrying a farmer,” Betty Maxwell said. “We married when I finished school – this was in the 1950s – but farming was not good in the 1950s. Bob had taken over his 200-acre family farm, but it was really hard to make a decent living on 200 acres in Iowa.” After eight years of farming, Bob Maxwell learned that Earlham College, a liberal arts college in Indiana that he had attended prior to earning his bachelor’s in farm operations from Iowa State University, was initiating a project supported by the United States Agency for International Development. The goal was to establish the very first day-secondary school for African boys in Kenya. “Bob was intrigued by the project,” Maxwell continued. “He had a vocational agriculture teaching certificate and, though he wasn’t teaching in the classroom, he was involved in an ‘on-the-farm’ training program that was supported by the GI Bill that allowed veterans to receive training from a trained instructor. Bob contacted Earlham College and was immediately hired.” It was this experience that opened his eyes to the dire need for agricultural education in East Africa. “The school was up in very primitive bush country in west Kenya at a little place called Chavakali,” Betty Maxwell said. “Chavakali was a little market, which was just a wide spot in the road with a couple of open-front huts with a few things to buy. Every couple of days they would butcher a cow and lay it out on a plank, and that’s where we got our meat.” Maxwell said she would point to a section of meat, they would “hack some off” for her, wrap it in banana leaves and tie it with twine for her take home and cook in the pressure cooker for several hours, at which point it would be edible. “Bob could just immediately see the potential,” she continued. “He could see how much difference even a little agricultural education would do for these people.”

WRITTEN BY NIKKY LUNA

Over the next two years, Bob Maxwell worked very hard to help the Kenyans realize that potential. Parents were eager for their sons to get the kind of education that would allow them to become “suit-and-tie-wearing professionals” rather than workers who would just get their hands dirty on a farm. “The boys came in from miles every day,” Betty Maxwell recalled. “They would ride their bikes or walk, and Bob went home with individual students day after day to talk with their parents. He couldn’t even speak their language, but the sons knew English because they had come up through the primary school system, and some parents would know a few words of English. “Bob did a real missionary job trying to explain to the parents what agriculture could be. And it wasn’t what was in their front yard.” He met with successful British farmers in the Kenya highlands who were raising sisal and livestock and convinced them to allow the schoolboys to visit and observe their farms on school holidays. Additionally, he wanted to ensure that agricultural education would have standing in the British education system, as this would help to permanently establish it in Africa. So, he wrote the entire curriculum for agriculture education for secondary school, and, as he hoped would happen, it was approved by the Cambridge Syndicate in Britain. After two years of teaching and advocating for agriculture in Kenya, it was time for the Maxwells to return home to Iowa. Bob Maxwell reenrolled at Iowa State University, where he earned his master’s in agricultural education. As he was finishing up his degree, he received a call from the International Programs Office at West Virginia University. “WVU was applying for a USAID project contract that involved agricultural education in secondary schools,” Betty Maxwell said. “The Kenya government had requested Bob by name, hoping he would come back and head it up.”

“Bob could just immediately see the potential. He could see how much difference even a little agricultural education would do.” Betty Maxwell

Unique Gifts, Venturous Journey Robert “Bob” Maxwell (Oct. 8, 1927- Oct. 14, 1999) was able to readily see the full potential in others while empowering them to see it, too. This, combined with his aptitude for relating to people with such ease, is what made him uniquely qualified for an inspiring career that led him and his wife, Betty, from his home state of Iowa to East Africa and, ultimately, West Virginia. Following is a condensed overview of their journey. 1960 Bob Maxwell accepts a position to teach vocational agriculture in Kenya for a USAID/ Earlham-sponsored project. 1962 The Maxwells return to Iowa, and Bob earns a master’s in agricultural education (Iowa State, 1964).

Left to right: Maxwell with a group of students in Bungoma; animal science students preparing dairy cattle for the Kenya National Show; student teacher from the Narok Secondary School, one of six schools taking part in the WVU-led project; Bob Maxwell, ca. 1984.

1968 The Maxwells return to the United States and Bob Maxwell begins a doctoral program at Cornell University, earning a doctorate in agricultural education (1970). 1970 The Maxwells return to West Virginia. Bob Maxwell is appointed director of the Allegheny Highlands Project. 1975 The Maxwells relocate to Tanzania, East Africa, where Bob Maxwell leads an initiative to develop degree-level agricultural education programming. Betty is appointed the American Secretary for the United States Information Service. 1979 The Maxwells return to Morgantown. Bob Maxwell is appointed as assistant dean and acting chairman of the division of animal and veterinary sciences. 1980s Bob Maxwell is appointed associate dean and chair of the division of international agriculture and forestry (1980). He later becomes dean and director (1984) of the College. 1990s Bob Maxwell becomes professor of agricultural education and director/coordinator of International Agriculture and Forestry at WVU (1993). In 1995, he serves as interim associate provost and director of the WVU Extension Service until his retirement in 1997.

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Bob Maxwell agreed to work with WVU on the project. His commitment resulted in WVU being awarded the contract, and by 1964, Bob and his family returned to Kenya, along with six American vocational agriculture teachers and their families. He was charged with implementing the curriculum he had previously developed in six more secondary schools. “The Kenyan government recognized the value of agricultural training,” Betty Maxwell added. “Africans could have decent farms and not just raise corn by scattering out a few kernels and hoping they caught root.” In 1968, then-Davis College Dean Robert Dunbar visited Kenya to learn about the programs and witness firsthand the progress being made. Impressed with the success, Dean Dunbar offered Maxwell a permanent position with the University and encouraged him to begin work on a Ph.D. upon his return to the United States. Maxwell enrolled in a doctoral program at Cornell University and by 1970 earned his doctorate in agricultural education. The Maxwells returned to WVU, just in time for Bob Maxwell to head up a new initiative: the Allegheny Highlands Project. He became the first director, a position he held for five years before returning to East Africa (Tanzania) to help develop university-level agricultural programming. His career continued at WVU as he fulfilled various teaching and administrative roles, including dean and director (1984-93) of the College and Experiment Station. Although Bob Maxwell passed away in 1999, his legacy of inspired teaching and passion for agricultural education remains. “I have a great love for the College,” Betty Maxwell said. “It’s significant in just being there and making clear how important agriculture is, not only to West Virginia, but to the nation. After all, it’s agriculture that feeds the world, and agricultural universities train people in the most efficient, cost-effective way to raise that food.”

1964 Bob Maxwell accepts a contract position to lead a USAID/ WVU-sponsored agricultural education project in Nairobi, Kenya, and Betty Maxwell accepts the position of co-director of the East African Regional Office for the Friends Service Council and adoption officer for the East African Children’s Society.

1961

Raising the Barr: Changes in our College WRITTEN BY JULIE CRYSER

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It’s hard for Al Barr to pinpoint the most significant events that occurred during his tenure at the WVU Davis College because there were so many.

Much like in the rest of the country, the late 1960s, 70s and 80s were a time of immense change in the College, with new farm facilities, a revamped structure and increases in research dollars. Al Barr talks with J.O. Heishman, veterinarian, and C.J. Cunningham, Sr., superintendent for “The grants and contracts for the college were about $235,000 in Reymann Memorial Farm, at a 1982 bull sale. 1980," Barr said. “By 1996, the last year I was there and have figures for, Barr was a faculty member in agricultural economics, he was selected as the we had grown the grants and contracts to $2,153,000. So, grants and chairman of Animal and Veterinary Sciences beginning February 1, 1970. contracts have increased over the years.” Barr left that position on January 1, 1980, to become the associate director When Barr, a West Virginia native and WVU graduate originally from a of the Experiment Station, the job he retired from in December 1996. farm near Moorefield, graduated from Oklahoma State with a doctorate in During his time at the college, Barr noted that computers were coming agricultural economics, he took a job as a U.S. Department of Agriculture into their own and the college became more “scientifically oriented.” economist. But he wasn’t there long. “The new faculty who were hired were using statistics in their research. Barr didn’t like his job in D.C., nor living in the city. Homer Evans, thenchair of Agricultural Economics, hired him as a faculty member at WVU. For The other thing that I would mention was the computerization, which just the first 10 years in the college, Barr conducted research and taught courses made analysis of data so much easier than before.” The College also developed research in soils and mine reclamation, such as in agricultural economics and farm management. But in 1968 he was elected that conducted by Dr. John Sencindiver. to the executive committee of the college. “There was money available for that kind of work. The pressure was on When Barr first arrived, there were 13 departments. In the late 1960s, the mining industry to clean up, and it was needed and they (Sencindiver and the dean at the time, Dr. R.S. Dunbar, wanted to restructure. “A few of the faculty didn’t like his plan because their departments were being other faculty) had the expertise and they did it,” Barr said. The college also saw an increased focus on reproductive physiology combined and Dunbar was naming the chairman, and they thought they ought to be involved. So, one afternoon, I got a call from the president’s office,” Barr said. research conducted by faculty such as Dr. Keith Inskeep, Dr. Paul Lewis and Dr. Robert Dailey. In agricultural economics, Barr said the program moved away Dr. James G. Harlow, WVU president at the time, asked Barr and other from agricultural marketing and farm management into resource management. members of the executive committee to come to his office, Barr said. For Barr, the Allegheny Highlands Project was one of the most significant “When we walked in, he said ‘The noise level in the College of Agriculture outreach programs in the Davis College’s history. and Forestry is too high. I want you to do something about it,’” Barr said. “It took the research results from the lab to the farm to improve the Harlow charged the executive committee with developing a lives of the people on the farm. Everything in a package went directly from reorganization plan that would be approved by the college faculty. So the committee recommended combining all of the departments into a Division of the researcher to the farm,” Barr said of the program, which was a 10-year Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, Division experiment in technology transfer to deliver information to farmers to promote rural development and was funded by the Rockefeller Foundation. of Forestry and a Division of Resource Management. Barr said that he was proud of the years he spent in the College and the Harlow then declared all the former department chairman positions void and told the faculty in each of the divisions to select a chairman. Even though changes that he saw occur.

“We had no experience in agriculture,” he said. “But that’s how I got interested in it – my experience in Ravenswood after we moved to that farm.” He and his brother were in high school at the time. Nesselroad was a freshman, his brother a senior. “Ravenswood School was much smaller than our school in Oklahoma and didn’t offer the same classes,” Nesselroad said. “We were put in agriculture classes. I continued taking agricultural classes during the last three years of high school and joined FFA.” After graduating from high school in 1941, Nesselroad was awarded a scholarship from Sears, Roebuck and Co. This enabled him to enroll at West Virginia University in the fall of 1941 to study agricultural education. “When I enrolled in the College of Agriculture, there wasn’t any such thing as a ‘specialty’,” Nesselroad recalled. “The first two years of our studies were primarily science. For instance, we took 12 hours of chemistry, including four hours of organic chemistry, which was required before you were allowed to take animal nutrition. “Of course, we had to take English and, at that point in time, Reserve Officers Training Corps, which was required for graduation.” About 40 students were in Nesselroad’s freshman class, and, among them, roughly ten pre-medicine students. “There were a number of pre-med students who enrolled in agriculture because they could take more science courses faster in the first two years than if they were enrolled in the Pre-Med program.” In retrospect, Nesselroad views the curriculum from his student days as exceptionally challenging. “To teach vocational agriculture at that point in time, you not only had to satisfy the requirements for agriculture, but also for education. Consequently, the degree required 144 credit hours, and we were Paul Nesselroad expected to complete those hours within four years, averaging 18 hours a semester. In some cases, we carried as many as 20. “All of us had gone through the Depression, so we knew those hardships. Nobody questioned taking that number of credit hours because that would have been a disgrace.” Of course, World War II brought on additional hardship. “Practically all the male students in the University had to enlist in the Reserve Corps, which meant that if the President declared a national emergency, that reserve unit could be called to active duty,” Nesselroad continued. “We were called to active duty in the spring of 1943.” With the war coming to an end in 1945, Nesselroad returned to WVU and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture in 1947, only to return again in 1954 as a farm management graduate research assistant. In 1960, he took a leave of absence to pursue additional graduate work in agricultural economics and farm management at Penn State University. In 1963, Nesselroad returned to WVU as an assistant professor in farm management. With this return came major technological advancements in the classroom. “I introduced linear programming to the College,” Nesselroad explained. “This computer program enabled farmers to blend feed rations with great economic efficiency.” Nesselroad was promoted to associate professor in 1971 and professor in 1976. He served as chair of the Agricultural Economics Department from 1983 to 1989, when he retired. Throughout his career, Nesselroad gained the most enjoyment from working directly with his students. “The thing I enjoyed the most about teaching was working with my advisees,” he fondly recalled. “I really enjoyed ensuring that they had the right classes they needed to prepare them for their future careers.”

“When I was a graduate student, there was a planning technique called linear programming. I became infatuated with it, and when I came back to WVU, I introduced the concept and got the course approved.”

1963

A Linear Progression WRITTEN BY NIKKY LUNA

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On January 1, 1938, the Nesselroads “landed on the other side of the Ohio River.” That’s how Paul Nesselroad, emeritus professor of agricultural economics, likes to put it as he recounts his family’s trip from Oklahoma to West Virginia. He and his father, mother and older brother were on their way to their new home – a family farm in Ravenswood.

1963

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The WVU Extension Service separates from the College after an administrative reorganization.

Shaping the State through Collaboration WRITTEN BY STEVE BONANNO

In 1907, the first Extension Department was created at West Virginia University and by 1912 the first county extension program began. Today, the WVU Extension Service has county agents in all 55 counties of the state and is the front door to our flagship university.

Collaborative research between faculty members yields trusted, science-based answers for West Virginia’s producers and residents.

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It was in 1963, however, that WVU Extension Service left its Given the scope and complexity of the problem, WVU’s team proverbial home in the Davis College and became a separate represented not only Davis College’s Human Nutrition and Foods unit within the University. But much like a child striking out professors, but also the WVU Extension Service’s Families and Health on his own, the WVU unit, which focused primarily Extension Service has on interaction with schools in remained a close partner participating counties. with the Davis College, Our signature youth sharing faculty, research development program, projects and an emphasis on West Virginia 4-H, has the teaching, research and also benefited from our service missions of a longstanding relationship land-grant university. and cooperative efforts. The Collaboration is essential Davis College each year helps in building successful to support STEM (Science, programs across West Technology, Engineering and Virginia. As a result, the Math) Ambassadors, college WVU Extension Service students who work across the currently has 15 positions state to deliver curriculum at that are dual appointments state and county 4-H camps. with the Davis College, We now share a meaning the faculty member faculty member in the works as both a Davis Landscape Architecture College faculty member and program, which along with a WVU Extension Service a joint faculty member in faculty member. Resource Economics and Over the years, these Management, will lead to collaborative efforts have statewide planning projects been fruitful. to assist with long-term On the agriculture economic development. side, the College and the For years, faculty from Extension Service work both Davis and Extension together on the Feed worked with communities Efficiency Testing program throughout our state on at the Reymann Memorial envisioning a new path for Farm in Wardensville, economic development and assisting beef producers community revitalization throughout the state. In through our Community the Eastern Panhandle, Design Team. Davis College students teaching the next generation of students in the 4-H STEM Ambassador program. Top: Faculty collaboration between the Davis the poultry industry The history of the College and Extension Service has played a vital role in serving West Virginians. has benefited by our WVU Extension Service is collaborative efforts to long and varied, but we always research feed efficiency remember that our roots and ways to reduce nitrogen in manure. And we’ve worked took hold in the WVU Davis College. Although no longer a part of together on small ruminate, grass-fed beef and so many the College, our collaborative efforts have continued, and we have other projects. worked closely for the betterment of students and West Virginia. As strong partners, we have taken on the tough health issues As the Davis College embarks on its next 150 years, the WVU that this state faces. In 2011, the USDA awarded WVU a nearly Extension Service will remain a strong, collaborative partner. We $5 million grant to help the state tackle childhood obesity. Over look forward to tackling the tough issues that face this state and the course of the project, community stakeholders, parents, our University together. With our rich histories and by working educators, healthcare professionals and researchers have together, we will continue to shape not only our future, but the collaborated to develop new strategies. future of our state and its proud people.

1963

The West Virginia ’63 tomato is released by Mannon Gallegly, plant pathologist, after 13 years of research and plant breeding.

A Blight-Resistant Birthday Gift

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WRITTEN BY NIKKY LUNA

According to Mannon Gallegly, professor emeritus of plant pathology, infected both species. Support from grant funding, along with an opportunity “It was a disease that farmers and gardeners feared most.” to examine wild tomatoes collected from different parts of the world, helped Gallegly was referring to tomato blight, a disease caused by Phytophthora advance his research. infestans, a fungus-like pathogen. “Fort Detrick [U.S. Army base in Maryland] approached me and asked if we “The pathogen was first described and named in 1876 by Heinrich Anton de would take a grant to study the pathogenicity of some really potent isolates of Bary, a German microbiologist and mycologist, following the Irish potato famine,” Phytophthora from Mexico,” Gallegly said. “They retrieved the isolates and sent Gallegly explained. “Phytophthora means ‘ plant destroyer’ and infestans, in this them to WVU for me to work with.” context, means it infested the potato plant.” For the next 13 years, Gallegly sought to Signs of blight include brown spots or lesions eliminate the disease by crossing wild tomato on the stems, olive green or brown patches on species with commercial tomatoes until he the leaves, and white fungal growth underneath. was able to unveil the resilient, blight-resistant When Gallegly, who had just received his PhD variety in 1963, just in time for West Virginia’s in plant pathology, came to WVU in 1949 to begin 100th birthday. working as an assistant professor, he had never “That’s a contribution from your land-grant before seen firsthand the late blight disease. college: help the famer produce food,” Gallegly “It wiped out nearly our entire potato and tomato said. “You are also helping the consumer. The crop that year,” he said. “That’s when I decided that farmer can produce food that is less expensive would be the central thrust of my research.” for you to buy and consume. As a result, the Gallegly went to work, searching for whole public – the whole nation – benefits disease resistance to late blight in tomatoes from a little development like resistance to and potatoes, since the same pathogen Mannon Gallegly, professor emeritus of plant pathology blight in [the] tomato.”

“The farmer can produce food that is less expensive for you to buy and consume. As a result, the whole public — the whole nation — benefits from a little development like resistance to blight in [the] tomato.”

1965

As a result of a reorganization within WVU, Home Economics transfers to the newly formed College of Human Resources and Education. The College is renamed the College of Agriculture and Forestry. A Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture is established. The new Forestry Center is completed in the fall and becomes home to the Division of Forestry programs. The Center is later renamed Percival Hall in honor of the Division’s first director, W.C. Percival.

Reproductive Physiology Program COMPILED BY LINDSAY WILLEY

• The first formal course in reproductive physiology of farm animals was offered by H.E. Kidder in 1954.

• In 1964, WVU created an Institute of Biological Sciences to encourage

interdisciplinary collaboration in biological pursuits. This effort helped spur the creation of the Reproductive Physiology program. • A formal proposal to fully establish a Reproductive Physiology program was submitted to WVU’s Graduate School on March 16, 1966. The first faculty roster included a diverse group of 15 professors from eight WVU departments. • Research in rats conducted by one of those initial faculty members, Nicolas Fugo, professor of obstetrics and gynecology, led to the discovery that prolonged exposure to estrogen was a major factor in embryonic and fetal loses and birth defects. • David Barley of Sutton, West Virginia, was the first graduate of the program, earning a master of science in 1967. • Following in his footsteps, Marc Freeman received his master’s degree in 1968 followed by the program’s first doctoral degree in 1970. • Applied research in out-of-season sheep breeding was a priority during the 1970s thanks to the Allegheny Highlands Project, as well as a collaboration with colleagues in Madrid, Spain, through a scientific exchange agreement coordinated by the U.S. Department of State. • In the late 1990s, researchers were able to demonstrate the effectiveness of intra-vaginal progesterone delivery devices to induce estrus in anestrous sheep. The devices were approved for marketing in the United States in 2009.

A 1995 Reproductive Physiology program reunion.

• In April 2001, the program was recognized for its excellence when its

The interdisciplinary graduate program (MS and PhD) in reproductive physiology is established. David Allen Barley receives the first MS degree from the program in 1966. Marc Edward Freeman becomes the first PhD recipient in 1970 (he also received his MS from the program in ’67).

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1966

programs were among the two PhD and six master’s listed as nationally recognized graduate and professional programs in The Compact Between West Virginia University and The State of West Virginia. • Five faculty members – Roy Butcher, professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynecology; Bob Dailey, professor of animal and nutritional sciences; Bob Goodman, professor of physiology and pharmacology; Jorge Flores, professor of biology, and Keith Inskeep, professor emeritus of reproductive physiology, have all been honored by WVU with its highest award for research – the Benedum Award for Distinguished Research in the Biological Sciences and Medicine.

1965 Landscape Architect by Trade, Mentor by Heart

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WRITTEN BY LINDSAY WILLEY

George Longenecker has plenty of stories to tell about his life and his career at West Virginia University. With a father who was a landscape architect, one might assume he was destined to follow suit. The professor emeritus, however, spins a different tale. When he reminisces about what influenced him to pursue a career in the field, two things immediately come to mind – his love of plants and fond memories of summers outdoors. As a fourth grader in Madison, Wisconsin, Longenecker discovered his yard was full of interesting flowers. Noticing the spark of curiosity, his father passed along plant labels, cards and several good books to help him identify and learn about the blooms. “When all was said and done, I had labeled 165 different wildflowers in our yard,” he said. Two or three years later, his parents purchased a piece of property and built a cottage along the Wisconsin River. Every year, the Longeneckers would pack the family car, leave their hometown behind and spend their summer days exploring the serene outdoors. While the topics of college and potential careers had come up, his father never discussed landscape architecture with him. In fact, Longenecker’s parents let him sit in the metaphorical driver’s seat when it came to selecting a major. The choice became clear during the spring of his senior year in high school. “My best friend came over to our house for dinner and my mother

asked him, ‘What are you going to do next year?’,” Longenecker recalls. “He explained that he was going to the University of Wisconsin.” When asked the same question, Longenecker, who at that point hadn’t made a decision, paused for a beat. “Well, I’m going to go into landscape architecture,” he remembers saying. “I thought my mom was going to lose her partial plate her jaw dropped so much. And my dad was nonplussed.” And the rest, as they say, is history. Longenecker went on to receive his bachelor’s in landscape architecture from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s in the same topic from the University of Illinois. After spending several years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and on active military duty, he assumed the role of assistant director of the John J. Tyler Arboretum in Lima, Pennsylvania. He also rediscovered his passion for teaching. “I was approached about teaching a class on terrestrial ecology at the University of Pennsylvania, and that got me interested in going back to teaching,” he said. Longenecker later had two opportunities present themselves – one with a well-established landscape architecture program at the University of Georgia, and the other with a budding program at WVU. “When weighing my options, I thought about how with a new program I could help get it started and basically carve out my own niche rather than fitting into someone else’s

preconceived notions of what I should be teaching,” he said. Longenecker joined the WVU faculty in 1966 and spent the next 39 years teaching and mentoring students, and helping grow a well-respected Landscape Architecture program. For most of his career, he focused his teaching on plant materials and planting design – topics and knowledge he loved sharing with his students. While he acknowledges that love wasn’t always shared by his students, it was something they grew to appreciate. “Of course, I never got outstanding teacher awards because I was very demanding. I made them learn their plants,” he said. “And it wasn’t until after they graduated that I would get thank-you notes back for making them learn their plants. It may have seemed like too much while they were in school, but they really appreciated it after they graduated.” Although he was tough on his students, Longenecker related well to them and earned their respect.

“I had many students who had other advisers but would come to me if they had problems,” he said. “It wasn’t necessarily school related; often times it was personal.” He recalls a student who was upset after breaking up with his girlfriend. Longennecker’s advice to him was clear and concise – “Talk about it and let her know how you feel.” Though he can’t say for sure his advice helped the couple reunite, he happily attended their 40th wedding anniversary in 2015. Longenecker had an illustrious 39-year career during which he was a member of the West Virginia State Board of Landscape Architects, had his work featured in local and national publications and established the West Virginia Botanic Garden. But, if you ask him what in his career he’s most proud of, he won’t mention any of those items above. “It’s relating to students,” he said.

“I never got outstanding teacher awards because I was very demanding. It wasn’t until after they graduated that I would get thank you notes back from the students for making them learn their plants.” George Longenecker

1966

First PhD in genetics and developmental biology is awarded.

1967

Celebrating 50 Years of Research: The West Virginia Bull Evaluation Program WRITTEN BY COURTNEY GATTO

The West Virginia Bull Evaluation program is established by WVU Extension and the College. Also known as the Wardensville Bull Test, the program’s primary goal is to identify genetically superior bulls that will improve the bottom line of commercial cattleman in West Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region.

LOOK

Back in Time

In the late 1960s, Reymann Memorial Farm was selected as the site of the West Virginia Bull Evaluation program, commonly known as the Wardensville Bull Test. The program, formally established in 1967, is designed to improve the productivity of beef cattle and is available to mid-size seedstock breeders in West Virginia and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. “Early on, the program focused on improving growth rate and feed conversion, but to meet the demands of an evolving market, the program later shifted to emphasizing calving ease and carcass quality,” said Kevin Shaffer, WVU Extension livestock production specialist and program coordinator. “As input costs have steadily risen in recent years, the program has also focused on feed conversion efficiency and identifying complete bulls that can function efficiently in all sectors of the beef industry.” The Bull Evaluation program has grown tremendously since 1967, and continues to evolve today. During 2004-2005, Reymann Memorial began measuring residual feed intake in bulls – this test measures the difference between the actual feed intake and the predicted feed intake. During that time, Wardensville was the first and only place in the eastern United States to use this system. Once the bulls complete the Kevin Shaffer evaluation program, the ones that meet or exceed the test’s strict criteria are auctioned off in Wardensville’s annual Bull Sale. “Each year the program culminates with a sale held on the fourth Thursday in March,” Shaffer said. “Only 60-70 percent of the bulls participating qualify. Approximately 100 bulls are offered for sale via public auction annually.” The Wardensville Bull Test and the Bull Sale are a big deal. “The Bull Test program provides a distinct link to the beef industry around the state,” Shaffer explained. “Approximately 90 bulls a year are sold through this program, of which 75-80 will be purchased by West Virginia producers. Given that bulls sold in previous years remain in service, this means that bulls from the Wardensville Bull Test will sire between 5,000 and 6,500 calves each year in West Virginia. This equates to over $4.25 million in economic impact in 2016 alone for West Virginia producers.” The impact of the program extends across the country. “To put it in another way,” Shaffer continued, “Wardensville bulls each year sire calves in West Virginia that will provide a year’s supply of beef for approximately 50,000 Americans based on per capita consumption.” Learn more at extension.wvu.edu.

“Wardensville bulls each year sire calves in West Virginia that will provide a year’s supply of beef for approximately 50,000 Americans.”

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Top: Field Day for international students from Tanzania. Bottom: Second Annual Animal Industry Field Day, WVU Experimental Farms.

1968

Forging New Ground and Breaking the Glass Ceiling WRITTEN BY JULIE CRYSER

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When Linda Butler was just seven years old, her grandmother gave her a tiger swallowtail butterfly that she had found – it became the first specimen in Butler’s insect collection.

By the time she was 14, Butler had mastered the entomology project in her 4-H club in Odum, Georgia, and traveled solo to the national convention in Chicago. “The Extension agents in my county were extremely good and very supportive,” Butler said. “Nobody knew a thing about insects, but they thought it was great that I did, and they were very supportive.” Butler knew then that she wanted to be an entomology professor and teach at a research institution. And for Butler, who grew up in a time when female professors were few and far between, especially in the sciences, the WVU Davis College offered her not only a place to work, but a home. “I just fell in love with West Virginia,” Butler said. “When I first came for my interview and the little puddle jumper airplane out of Pittsburgh was circling, the leaves were just starting to come out on the trees and the lilacs were just beginning to bloom. It was heaven. It’s exactly what I wanted and I just completely fell in love with the land, the mountains and I really liked the people I was working with.” Butler attended the University of Georgia, where she earned her bachelor’s, a master’s in a year and her doctorate in two years. “It was an interesting time because there weren’t many women in entomology,” Butler recalled. “Some of the male faculty didn’t quite know how to deal with women. I remember my department chair commenting

Butler and her graduate students conducted research at Hidden Acres, a private farm on Halleck Road in Monongalia County. Far left: Linda Butler poses with graduate students and staff in the entomology laboratory in the Agricultural Sciences Building.

“I just feel fortunate that, for whatever reason, WVU looked beyond the fact that I was a very young woman.” Linda Butler

But they hit it off. Sadly, within a year, Dr. Dorsey became ill and died less than two years after Butler came to WVU. Butler quickly became the only entomology faculty member and one of the only two or three women faculty members in the college. Butler said she never felt out of place and worked alongside her male counterparts as an equal. She quickly became lifelong friends with fellow faculty like Dr. Joginder Nath, who directed the Genetics and Developmental Biology program. “I never felt uncomfortable,” Butler said Butler retired in 2006. In her time at the WVU Davis College, Butler’s research had a significant impact. Beginning in the 1970s, her research focused on pesticides and their effect on the environment. In the 1980s she worked with the USDA Forest Service Lab in Morgantown to measure the nontarget effect of spraying for gypsy moths, which eventually led to the Forest Service phasing out growth regulators to control the destructive caterpillar. “So many people who I have known as friends throughout the College and University, so many of them came in the late 60s when WVU was hiring quite a few people,” she said. “At that point it was like 'West Virginia?' So many of them hardly knew it existed except looking it up on a map. But once they got here, they never wanted to leave because there is a specialness about it. The land, the mountains, it speaks to so many of us. And then, just the people – good, caring, helpful, down to earth people.”

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something on ‘Well yes, she is extremely good but she is a woman, so she won’t follow through after she gets out.’ That was the attitude back then,” she said. Butler whizzed through her studies, and as she neared completion of her degree in the late 1960s she began searching for a job. She sent letters to most of the entomology departments around the country and never heard from the bulk of them. “The few that did respond said that, ‘we don’t hire women,’” Butler said. “I know I was extremely highly qualified because people who declined considering to hire me told me I was. I had some excellent letters from my professors, especially my advisor. I still have his letter in my file,” Butler said. “He said 'She is a woman, but she has such a love for entomology and she is so dedicated to entomology that she will not leave the profession.' He felt like he had to say that, and I am glad he did.” WVU was different. In 1968, WVU hired Butler. “I just feel fortunate that, for whatever reason, WVU looked beyond the fact that I was a very young woman,” she said. At the time, the College had only one other entomologist, Dr. C.K. Dorsey, who Butler described as an “old, gruff guy who had seen it all, been there, done that and I’m not quite sure he knew what to do with a 24-year-old youngster coming into his bailiwick.”

1970s

1969

Under the leadership of Dean and Director Robert Dunbar, the College is reorganized. The departments are consolidated into four Divisions: Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Forestry, Plant and Soil Sciences, and Resource Management. The Recreation and Parks program transfers from the School of Physical Education to the College’s Division of Forestry.

WVU Professional Parks and Recreation Society, 1969.

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Allen Hall is completed, becoming home to some of the University’s home economics and design programs, which later rejoin the College.

1970

The Agriculture Engineering program transfers to the College of Engineering. Bull testing facilities are constructed at Reymann Memorial Farms. The Allegheny Highlands Project is launched in Randolph and Upshur counties. Funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, the project aims to integrate existing forage-livestock technologies into management systems and deliver them to West Virginia farmers using a package approach.

Agricultural Engineering Building, ca. 1965.

The Willow Bend Demonstration Farm in Monroe County is deeded to the WVU Foundation by R.W. Johnson.

1970s

Becoming a Good Role Model West Virginia University introduced Tony Tomkowski to new opportunities and a whole new perspective. The Schenectady, New York, native had transferred from Paul Smith’s College in upstate New York to the WVU Forestry program in 1964 and, up to that point, had never really taken school very seriously.

“[The Davis College faculty] mentor their students tremendously — I really can’t say enough about it.” Tony Tomkowski

quality, forest watershed management, forest fire prevention, audio-visual teaching techniques, stream improvement, freshwater fishing, and farm woodlot management, Tomkowski was a selfdescribed “jack of all trades” within the division. One of his favorite courses to teach was fishing. “I took my students ice fishing in January and February, and if it was a respectable winter, I could get them on the ice,” he recounted. “I also did a lot of trout fishing and would show them how to use biotic indices to ascertain water quality. We had a good time.” “I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that it feels good to hear that people remember you in a positive way,” Tomkowski said when asked about what he enjoyed most about his teaching experience. “I have always tried to lead by example and be very realistic and down to earth.” And, clearly, his approach to teaching and relationship-building has been successful. “No matter where I go throughout the country, someone – usually a former Forestry 140 student – invariably approaches me and says, ‘ Is that really you, Professor T? You were my favorite professor!’” he said. “Or, they’ll tell me that I influenced them to change their major to forestry. “I like to think I was a good role model.” Fortunately, it seems that Tomkowski has always been among good company. “The Davis College has a great faculty,” he said. “They mentor their students tremendously – I really can’t say enough about it.”

Tomkowski and students during a steelhead fishing trip in Pennsylvania.

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“It took me a few years to finally wake up and start being a student,” said Tomkowski, assistant professor emeritus of forest resources management. “It was very obvious that I wasn’t totally prepared for college after I arrived here. The transition was like going from minor league to big league because the University was more demanding.” He distinctly recalls the moment that changed his attitude and perspective. “Our division director at the time, Dr. David White, pulled me into his office and gave me a talking to – he told me to wake up,” Tomkowski recalled. “And he got my attention.” So much so, that Tomkowski completed his bachelor’s in forestry in 1967 and, after a year of working for the New York State Conservation Department, returned to WVU to work on his master’s, which he completed in 1970. He then was hired by WVU to develop the Division of Forestry’s self-learning center, which housed all the audio and visual materials covering a wide range of forestry-related topics. Tomkowski also helped establish several other learning centers across the country. In 1971, he was appointed as instructor of forestry. Over the years, Tomkowski, commonly referred to as “Professor T,” saw more than 18,000 students come through his classrooms. From teaching two sections of Forestry 140 per semester to the multiple courses in forest water

WRITTEN BY NIKKY LUNA

1970s

Fashionable Firsts WRITTEN BY NIKKY LUNA

For her 21st birthday, Nora MacDonald treated herself to her very first airplane ride. She had saved enough money, having started working at 16 years old, to travel around Europe for three months before starting her junior year of college.

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meeting all sorts of wonderful people from all over the world. At one point, I met a gal from South Africa, and we traveled together for about six weeks.” When her trip came to an end, MacDonald, who had made arrangements to transfer from the University of Minnesota to Iowa State University, said she “flew directly to Iowa State, with the same suitcase, and started school.” Her parents came “During my freshman year, my home economics down the following weekend from her hometown of colleagues and I decided we were going to Europe,” Minneapolis with a fresh suitcase of clothes. MacDonald said. “And we all did – one at a time, as At Iowa State, her traveling continued, and soon as we earned the money.” it was this set of experiences that served as the This trip was just the start of what would foundation for one of the programs she would become a lifetime of valuable excursions for establish at West Virginia University. MacDonald, a professor of fashion, dress and “When I was a student, they did study tours,” merchandising, and the students who would she recalled. “One year, they would go to Chicago eventually benefit from her mentorship. and the next year, St. Louis.” “I had a great experience. I did the grand tour, MacDonald went to both places, visiting St. or ‘the loop,’ per se, seeing all the major sites and Louis as a senior and Chicago as a grad student.

Nora MacDonald, 2017 NYC Fashion Study Tour; (below) MacDonald and students at UGG on Madison Avenue, 2017 NYC Fashion Study Tour.

“It was important to see the inner workings of the fashion business,” MacDonald said. “After I came to WVU in 1971, I discussed the concept with my colleagues. They thought it was a good idea.” By 1974, the New York City Fashion Study Tour was launched. It was offered as a one-credit class and has continued ever since, this year marking the event’s 43rd anniversary. From March 21-26, MacDonald and Debanjan Das, assistant professor of fashion, dress and merchandising, led a group of 16 students around the city, hitting spots like the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Saks Fifth Avenue and Coach’s corporate headquarters. “After these students come back from the trip, they realize that they’re really getting into places and making some valuable connections

“I loved participating in the fashion study tour. With the help of Professor MacDonald while on the study tour, I was also able to land a summer internship with UGG. I would recommend everyone who has the chance to participate in the study tour to do so.” ABBY HOGUE, Fashion, Dress and Merchandising major

the first being Dean Phil Faini, who came up with the idea and made the initial connection between WVU and an institution in Milan.” Dean Faini retired in 2000 and was succeeded by John Bernard “Bernie” Schultz, who had previously served as an art history professor at WVU. “Bernie and his wife, Cookie, had a wealth of expertise in Italian Renaissance art, so, of course, they wanted to make sure this concept came to fruition,” she continued. “Bernie called me up, told me we were getting involved with the institution in Italy, and asked if our College would be interested. I said, ‘I’m going. Sign me up.’” Now, more than a decade later, with the strong support from the deans of both colleges — Davis

and Creative Arts — the program remains a curriculum staple. In the fall of 2017, MacDonald will experience yet another “first.” After 46 years of teaching, researching and traveling with students, she plans to retire. When asked about what has been most rewarding part of her lifetime of teaching, her immediate, resolute response has nothing to do with New York City or Milan. She sums it up in two words: “mentoring students.” “I’m tough, and some of the students might even say I’m too tough,” MacDonald said. “I’m so proud of our students who work hard, though.”

Learn more at designcomm.wvu.edu.

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with industry professionals,” MacDonald said. “Even those who are from places like New York, New Jersey, or Philadelphia – those who can get into the city fairly easily – recognize what a great opportunity this is from a professional point of view.” In addition to providing students the opportunity to get behind-the-scenes-access in one of the most prominent fashion capitals of world, MacDonald also plays a key role in Disegno Italia, a four-week summer study abroad program that enables students to study Italian art, design and culture. “Disegno Italia is something I’m very pleased with, as it brought about a new, international opportunity for our students,” MacDonald said. “Three deans in the College of Creative Arts have had impact on this program since its inception,

Students receiving a behind-the-scenes tour of the inhouse manufacturing facility at COACH headquarters during NYC Fashion Study Tour (2017).

1970s Valuable Lessons from a Land-Grant Experiment:

The Allegheny Highlands Project WRITTEN BY NIKKY LUNA

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Of all the lessons derived from the Allegheny Highlands Project, one stands out for Barton Baker.

“I learned to look at things more as a whole. It’s not only what farmers do in agronomy, but it’s what they do in livestock, animal health, economics and their lifestyle,” Baker said. “All of those go together. None can successfully operate independently.” He added, “That was a valuable lesson for me — one I have never forgotten.” It was one that the professor emeritus of agronomy soon learned after providing a sound agronomic recommendation to a producer. It was so good, actually, that the producer was unable to handle the amount of crop he produced, and it ended up going to waste. The farmer lacked the machinery, the knowledge and the technology to harvest it — all considerations that Baker, a self-described “naive, young agronomist” — failed to take into account. “I made a good agronomic recommendation, but not a good recommendation for that person,” Baker said. In the years that followed, Baker had many opportunities to redeem himself with many successful recommendations. The concept of taking a holistic approach while using a team delivery system was truly the cornerstone of the project. The traditional approach was to deliver information to producers in a piecemeal fashion. “The Allegheny Highlands Project was a package approach,” Baker said. “We didn’t just make recommendations in livestock, economics or any single area and then just walk away. We felt responsible for making recommendations in all areas that had impact on the producer’s success.” His tenure with the project spanned its lifetime, beginning in 1970, when Baker, a Virginia native who received his master’s and doctorate in agronomy from WVU in 1966 and 1969, respectively, was first hired as an agronomist. Bob Maxwell, who had previously led a multi-year, WVU-sponsored agricultural project in East Africa, was appointed as the Project’s first director — a role which Baker also fulfilled during the Project’s final years, until its formal conclusion in 1979. “Although the Allegheny Highlands Project was funded for ten years by the Rockefeller Foundation, we carried it out for an additional year to wrap things up,” Baker explained. WVU hosted a seminar on April 19, 1982, to provide a user-cooperator and local citizen assessment of the program’s successes, failures and short- and long-range effects on local

Q U O TA B L E

“As a final note, and I think this has been mentioned by every speaker and will probably be echoed by later speakers – with ordinary people we couldn’t possibly be as complementary. The element of success enjoyed is probably more due to the caliber of the staff than the concept of the project. … (Barton) Baker, (John) Peters, (Frank) Woodson and (Paul) Lewis, just to name a few.” Robin Harvey, district conservationist for Soil Conservation Service, Elkins, West Virginia, seminar remarks, April 19, 1982.

“Bob Maxwell was a people-person. He was very much at home with people from different social and economic backgrounds. He spent most of his life helping poor people who needed help the most.” Barton Baker

Left: Bob Maxwell, first director of the Allegheny Highlands Project. Above, left: Barton Baker. Opposite page: Field days were used to disseminate important information to producers. John Peters (middle photo, standing center), animal scientist, leads a field day demonstration.

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rural communities. Panel participants led a discussion on the perceptions of those involved. Farm cooperators, field team members, members of the WVU community, WVU Extension Service agents, conservationists and community members met in Morgantown for a daylong seminar. “In terms of what people thought about the project — it was all very positive,” Baker said. “The hard data we collected indicated some very tangible successes. For example, crop yields and livestock performance both increased. The kinds of things that we set out to do — in terms of increasing farm productivity — we obviously did. We were successful.” And beyond the data was a deeper, less metric-driven success. “The project’s goal was not just to increase crop yields and livestock performance,” Baker continued. “The project’s true goal was to have a positive impact on the community, and in that area, we were also successful.” Baker went on to explain how the Rockefeller Foundation commented about the close, personal relationships that developed among farm cooperators, community members and field staff. “This was somewhat of a new experience for the Rockefeller Foundation,” Baker said. “And that reflected on the quality of the field staff. Over the course of a decade, they worked long, hard hours. They sat around the dinner table with these families at the end of a long day and, in many cases, watched their children grow up.” From Baker’s point of view, it’s all about the individuals who make up a team. “The people on the field team took the success of the farmers very personally,” he said. “If you hire good people, good things will happen.”

1973

A Bachelor of Science in resource management is established. Mary Templeton (March 1924 - February 2016), one of the few women in the country with expertise in agricultural economics in the 1950s and 1960s, began her career at WVU in 1955 as a research assistant in the Agricultural Economics program. She moved through the ranks, becoming an instructor in 1965 and a professor in 1978. In the 1980s, she was the only woman among a dozen of department faculty members. In addition to facilitating the research of her colleagues, she conducted many research projects of her own and taught and mentored

many undergraduate and graduate students. She retired as professor emeritus in 1989. Denny Smith, associate dean for student success and a former colleague of Templeton, said she was “famous for her three- to four-day trips when she would take her marketing class to Pittsburgh’s Strip District, where they would tour all the wholesale food firms.” Gerard D’Souza, director of the Division of Resource Economics and Management and a former student, described her as having a “stern” and “no-nonsense” presence, but was also “very friendly and very approachable.” “She was always a good role model, particularly for women – back in the day when there were always few women in the ranks and the work was a male-dominated profession,” he said. “I think to that extent she was really a pioneer.”

1974

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On May 18, the first constitution and bylaws of the College’s Alumni Association are adopted.

First row, seated left to right: James Bennett, Blaine Beeghley, Vernon Armbrester. Second row, standing, left to right: L.S. Hartley, I.N. Fetty, Sherman Beard and Clem Teets. Picture from an article printed in the Sun. Exponent-Telegram, Clarksburg, West Virginia, Dec. 23, 1973.

In 1972, P. Vernon Armbrester, assistant to the dean and a 1951 graduate, sent out letters to 3,000 alumni of the College expressing the desire to form an alumni association. Three-hundred-and-forty individuals replied, indicating their equal interest, and in January 1973, a small group of people met to discuss the next steps. During that meeting, they created two committees – Constitution and Bylaws and Program/Social.

Mary Templeton (right) talks with 1975 Gamma Sigma Delta inductees, (left to right) Jeffrey Neely, James Charles DeMoss, Rodney Moore and Robert Stultz.

The dairy barn in Morgantown burns down due to arson. The need for a new dairy facility was urgent. It was proposed that it be built in Reedsville, but the final decision was to construct it at the Animal Husbandry Farm to better accommodate students’ needs.

Q U O TA B L E

1976

The Hill Lands Symposium draws “The Hill Lands Symposium occurred during the Allegheny 250 scientists from 32 countries to the Experiment Station for a Highlands Project, which was actually one of the reasons why six-day conference on agriculture, WVU developed the symposium. There were many people — ecology and cultural aspects of mountainous areas. in our College and at other agriculture schools — who were interested in this concept of how to deliver information and technology to farmers, so WVU invited people from all over the world to share their experiences in how they deliver technology to developing and developed countries. People from across the globe came to WVU, toured the Allegheny Highlands Project, visited with farmers and spent the better part of a week with us.” Barton Baker, professor emeritus of agronomy

1976

WVU breaks ground for the new dairy barn on the Animal Husbandry Farm. The facility is completed in the following year and dedicated on November 10, 1977.

1978

Chestnut blight research at WVU leads to a two-day, international symposium in Morgantown on January 4-5. The American Chestnut Symposium brought together 200 scientists from around the world to discuss American chestnut trees and the blight that was wiping them from the Eastern hardwood forests. Papers were presented by researchers from ten states, the USDA, France and Italy.

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Ask the Expert

1970s

Ask the (Chestnut) Experts WRITTEN BY JULIE CRYSER

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William MacDonald, a professor of plant pathology, and Mark Double, a research assistant in the Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, have been researching ways to reestablish the American chestnut tree since the late 1970s. West Virginia University has played a key role in establishing collaborative efforts across the nation to fight a fungus that wiped out the species by the late 1920s. Below, MacDonald and Double share some researchrelated insights.

What happened to the American chestnut? Importation of exotic plants from many continents was commonplace during the settlement of North America. This included chestnuts from Europe and Asia. At the turn of the 20th century, the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica also was introduced into North America on imported Asiatic chestnuts. This organism is a common but relatively unimportant pathogen of Asiatic species in their native environment. That was not the case for the American chestnut. Cryphonectria found the American chestnut to be a perfect host to parasitize and kill. The fungus spread unabated throughout West Virginia so that by the late 1920s most chestnut trees were either dead or dying. No single state was as badly affected as West Virginia. Chestnut made up almost 25% of the trees growing here. With the death of the chestnut tree, the forest ecosystem was radically changed. When did WVU begin chestnut research? WVU became involved with chestnut research in the early 1950s. The involvement centered on the search for trees that had survived the blight and were presumed to possess some level of resistance to the disease-causing

fungus. Seeds were collected statewide from candidate trees and planted at what was then the WVU Horticulture Farm. Unfortunately, trees that arose from the seed proved to be susceptible, although evidence of these trees still exists at the farm in the form of sprouts from the root systems. During this same period, a planting of Chinese chestnuts also was established at the Horticulture Farm. These trees represented accessions that were made in China by USDA officials and distributed to various U.S. locations with the purpose of performance testing and possible breeding with the American tree. These early efforts were spearheaded by Professor William Childs, a former member of the WVU Horticulture faculty. Our involvement began in the late 1970s, principally because of increased interest in the disease that had resulted from the discovery of a biological control that emerged in Europe resulting in the remission of disease there, particularly in Italy. The phenomenon was described as “hypovirulence,” and has resulted in the remarkable recovery of European chestnut from blight. The question was raised in many states as to whether this phenomenon might hold promise in the American chestnut’s native range in eastern North America. Research on this phenomenon and its potential use drew us into our

Clockwise from top left: William MacDonald examines young chestnut tree; researchers developed techniques for cloning trees in an effort to restore the American chestnut to the state; Mark Double examines Petri plates of the chestnut blight fungus; MacDonald removes bark pieces with a bone marrow instrument from a chestnut blight canker. Opposite page: Double applies inoculum to a canker on an American chestnut in an effort to slow canker expansion.

work to understand hypovirulence and evaluate its potential application. The Forest Management Review Commission of the West Virginia Legislature took strong interest in the reports of a possible solution to the chestnut blight and supported our initial research by awarding a seed grant in 1977.

significantly in the establishment of TACF and for over a decade served as the Foundation’s main office.

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What has been your biggest “ah hah” moment in chestnut research? The biggest rewards have come from the opportunity to work with many What milestones has WVU met over the years? individuals on the wide range of issues involving the chestnut. Unlike some From the beginning, WVU has taken the lead to coordinate many of the research projects where competition creates antagonism, the American efforts on chestnut research in the U.S. This initiative began with the chestnut has been a rallying point for everyone involved. We are all eager to organization of a 1978 Chestnut Symposium that brought scientists from succeed, with a restored American chestnut tree as our goal. I consider this to North America and Europe to Morgantown to discuss the issues facing be one of the biggest rewards of working on this topic. chestnut species. The meeting served as a stimulus for numerous research universities and agencies to reexamine the issues surrounding the cultivation How important is the American chestnut to West Virginia and the nation? of the species. This widespread interest resulted almost immediately in the The answer to this question is simple, but unfortunate. Today the tree exists establishment of a USDA Regional Research Project on the chestnut, an only as a sprout from root systems that persist where large chestnut trees once undertaking facilitated by former Davis College Dean Dale Zinn. grew. Thus, it plays a very small role in today’s forests. The American chestnut, The collaboration has been so successful that the project has been once known as a mighty giant, has been replaced by other species. awarded two USDA Secretary of Agriculture Awards for Excellence. We are, however, fortunate that the species is a prolific producer of sprouts, Over the years, WVU and members of the Regional Project have hosted otherwise it might very well be on its way to extinction. The tree only becomes additional research symposia. The most recent was an International prominent for a short period of time when the forest is cut and the sprouts are Chestnut Symposium held in the National Conservation Training Center in released by their exposure to the sun. But they once again become infected, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, in 2012. and like generations of sprouts before them, die back to the root collar. The In addition, the groundswell of interest in the species led to the founding of importance of American chestnut rests in its former value and prominence and the American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) in the early 1980s. We participated potential to grow again.

A reunion of current and retired agricultural education faculty members in 2001. Pictured, left to right: Harry Boone, Kerry Odell, Stacy Gartin, Layle Lawrence, O. Claude McGhee (retired), and Warren Kelly (retired). Left: Layle Lawrence, faculty portrait, ca. 1974. Agricultural education faculty (Lawrence, center) and State Agricultural Education leaders met following the State Agricultural Education Judging Contests held at WVU in 1991.

1978

Going Beyond the Objective FAL L 2 0 1 7 • 1 5 0 TH AN NI VE R SA RY

WRITTEN BY NIKKY LUNA

Coming from the Midwest with a background in wheat, milo and livestock production, Layle Lawrence found it hard to believe that West Virginia farming even existed.

“It took me a while to get associated with agriculture in West Virginia,” said the professor emeritus of agricultural and extension education. “It was hard to see any farms just driving down the highway. There are no big wheat or soybean fields. Most farms are small and hidden by the hills.” Lawrence grew up on a farm in Kansas and started working at ten years old, helping his dad combine wheat and plow fields. “During harvest and plowing season, my dad always hired a couple boys out of Arkansas who would travel up and work for a few weeks,” Lawrence explained. “After World War II broke out, those boys had all gone to the service, so I was put on the tractor, doing pretty much a man’s job. “It was good for me, of course, to an extent. I survived it.” Perhaps it was being exposed to a “man’s job,” as he put it, at such a young age that set Lawrence on his path of becoming a lifelong teacher and teacher-educator in agriculture. After graduating from high school in a class of seven, Lawrence went on to earn his bachelor’s in agricultural education from Kansas State University. Immediately following,

“The idea is to get kids involved in good programs, then teach them how to solve their own problems by looking at a problem, raising the right questions and knowing how to find the answers.” Layle Lawrence he served in the Army of Occupation in Germany for two years. Upon his return, Lawrence went back to Kansas State, earning a master’s in agricultural mechanics in 1958. After a decade of teaching vocational agriculture in Kansas, Kansas State invited Lawrence to participate in an agricultural development project in India. In 1967, he, his wife and two children moved to Andhra Pradesh, a state along the southeastern coast. There, Lawrence focused on locating, testing and modifying implements that would increase production. Then, in cooperation with the local extension service, he trained workers to use, maintain and demonstrate the improved implements. He returned from India, received his Ph.D. in vocational education from Louisiana State University in 1973 and soon Lawrence and his family were on their way to the West Virginia hills. Lawrence had accepted a position as assistant professor in agricultural education at WVU. Here, he shares some insights from his 30 years of teaching in the Davis College.

In my first “methods of teaching” class, I wrote that objective on the chalkboard. One of the students in the back row stood up and exclaimed, “Dr. Lawrence, I was in agriculture in high school for four years and never knew that is what we were supposed to do.” So, that was pretty revealing. This was an area that we needed to improve quite a bit, and, gradually, we did.

What was your approach to improving the program?

Tell me about your early years of teaching at WVU.

What did you enjoy most about teaching? Some of the most enjoyable times included taking my students to the agronomy and livestock farms, where we worked on tractors and other machines, and even teaching some of them how to drive a tractor. Some of my students had never been exposed to such things that have to be done on a farm. I really appreciated the cooperation from my farm colleagues. It created extra work for them, but they had the attitude of “this is why we exist.” I also enjoyed having opportunities to be involved with international students and programs and work in serval developing countries for brief periods.

What makes the division exceptional?

Shortly after starting his teaching career at WVU, Lawrence’s exceptional work is recognized by the University.

The people. Their dedication to the students and the enthusiasm for what they did.

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I arrived in February, so I wasn’t assigned to teach classes right away. I spent my time visiting agricultural education departments in high schools and supervising student teachers. I did a lot of traveling and met a lot of people, including most of the professionals in our own area. One of the things I wanted to strengthen was the development of sound experience programs for high school students. I made clear to my students what the objective of vocational agriculture is: after four years of high school agriculture courses, students should be able to enter farming, hold a job in an off-farm agriculture occupation, or go to college.

I wanted to take them from the traditional approach of saying, “Get out your books, we’re going to learn something about pigs today” to, instead, using the problem-solving method, which involves teaching students how to identify problems and opportunities and developing appropriate responses.

1980s

WVU President E. Gordon Gee (center) touring a timber mill during a state forestry meeting at Blackwater Falls State Park, ca. 1982. Also pictured: Douglas Toothman (left) and Robert Forney, both with CSX Resources, Inc.

1984

With a grant from the Governor’s Office of Community and Industrial Development, Gary Zinn and Kenneth Jones seek to discover ways in which the state’s vast timber resources can be used to the economic advantage of West Virginia. Their research resulted in eight volumes of Station Bulletin 691.

1986

1985

Reproductive physiologists, led by Keith Inskeep, successfully transplant a calf embryo to an ovariectomized cow.

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“I served on a committee with WVU Interim President Diane Reinhard, and we had a meeting the day after the calf was born. After I told her about it, she noted the date of its birth – February 2, which is Groundhog Day – and recommended that we name her ‘Shadow,’ so we did.”

Keith Inskeep, professor of reproductive physiology

1987

The College is renamed the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences after the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences (formerly “Home Economics”) reenters the College.

The Appalachian Hardwood Center at WVU is established by the State Legislature to provide technical and research support for the state’s growing wood products industry. The Center is jointly supported by the WVU Extension Service and the College.

The West Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is formed at WVU on July 1 through a partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the College’s Division of Forestry and Natural Resources. The Cooperative Research Unit program was established in 1935 to enhance graduate education in fisheries and wildlife sciences and to facilitate research among natural resource agencies and universities on topics of mutual concern.

WVU researchers testing water quality and measuring water velocity.

1987

Rocky Takeoff, International Landing WRITTEN BY JULIE CRYSER

For Dr. Marian Liddell, two words could be used to describe extended the five-day trip to seven and never looked back. the 1980s and 90s at the WVU Davis College – “international” Liddell worked on a project to make nutrition education understandable and “accepting.” for low-literacy populations.

“We went into the communities and worked with high school faculty and students, physicians and nurses, elementary school faculty and students and mothers, plus social workers and nursing students in the cities of Celaya, Leon and Guanajuato.” People in the region knew that nutrition was a serious problem. Her job was to give them ideas on how to simplify the messages and use handson materials. “I always worked with a registered dietician in my department and a chemist at Guanajuato University who had an interest in nutrition,” she said. The project was funded by WVU, the University of Guanajuato and the H.J. Heinz Co. Her father was a career employee of the H.J. Heinz Company and guided her submission through the channels to the company’s foundation office. The project was funded three times, and the project was supported for 10 years, from 1989-1999. By 1999, WVU and Guanajuato University were engaged in six projects in different colleges, and some continue to this day. “By the time I left, we had six or eight different programs going on at Guanajuato University,” Liddell said. Liddell said that moving to the College of Agriculture wasn’t jarring in the least. “There was a collegiality,” she said. “I was accepted and welcomed.” Liddell enjoyed working with agriculture professors such as Dr. Keith Inskeep, Dr. Robert Dailey and Dr. Paul Lewis. “They are very in tune with the people of the state,” she said. But for Liddell, it was the international work that marked her career at WVU. “We probably touched hundreds of people before it was over.”

“I learned so much being away from the University and applying what we had to offer. I felt very privileged to be in the College of Agriculture.”

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The Indiana State College graduate came to WVU in 1984 after a rocky introduction to the state. “I could not find a job. I had eight years experience in teaching and a master’s degree,” she said. So she decided to go back to school at WVU to finish her doctorate. She was taking a summer workshop in home economics when the instructor, who was leaving, asked her if she was interested in applying for her position. And that’s how she was hired at WVU. Her career spanned two decades and working trips to eight or more countries, as well as helping to establish a lasting relationship with the University of Guanajuato in Mexico. “I learned so much being away from the University and applying what we had to offer,” she said. “I felt very privileged to be in the College of Agriculture.” She was first hired as a home economics instructor in the College of Education’s Department of Education, where she taught vocational home economics and supervised student teachers. Home economics had once been the domain of the Agricultural College. In 1910, the Department of Home Economics was established in the College of Agriculture. In 1914, the Department of Domestic Sciences, formed initially by the College of Arts and Sciences, transferred to the Department of Home Economics in the College of Agriculture. Change came again, though, in 1965, when Home Economics transferred to the College of Human Resources and Education. But three years after Liddell was hired, in 1987, the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences (formerly “Home Economics”) reentered our College. It was then that the college was renamed as the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences. Liddell said the switch changed the dynamics of the department and opened up opportunities to work with new faculty. She and other faculty went to Mexico on an exploratory trip to connect Marian Liddell with the University of Guanajuato in Mexico. She

1988

U.S. Congress appropriates funds to support both the Hardwood Research Center and Poultry Research Facility under the direction of the Experiment Station.

1989

The Kidder Endowed Fund is established to support program enhancement for the Division of Animal and Veterinary Science. The memorial fund was created upon the passing of H.E. “Doc” Kidder, professor emeritus of animal sciences, who had a distinguished 34-year career at WVU beginning in 1954. His will created the trust fund, and in 1992, the Kidder Scholarship program was initiated as a result of his generous gift to the College.

“He impacted everyone who interacted with him. He was direct and had his opinions on what each person would be good at. And he would get upset if people refused to take his advice. From him, I learned about decision-making. It was never a problem for him to make a decision. Also, I witnessed commitment and confidence. He was 100% committed to his job and possessed a level of confidence like no one else.” Paul Lewis, professor of animal and nutritional sciences and assistant director, Outreach and Community Affairs, WVU Experiment Station

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A letter sent to Kidder, upon his retirement, from a former student, Mark Greve, MD, of Shreveport, Louisiana.

MEET

H.E. “Doc” Kidder

• Harold Edward Kidder, referred to as “Bill” or “Doc,” was born

to Albert and Grace Kidder in Crowley, Colorado, in 1922. He was the youngest of nine children and was raised on various family dairy and livestock enterprises. • Attended the University of Southern California for one year before enlisting in the Seabees in the U.S. Navy and serving as construction petty officer. Served in the Philippines; honorably discharged in 1946. • Enrolled in Colorado A&M, now Colorado State University and received a BS in animal science. • Received an MS in genetics in 1951 from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and a PhD in physiology of reproduction with a minor in dairy science. • Began as an assistant professor in animal husbandry at WVU in 1954. • Kidder promoted the use of artificial insemination in dairy cattle after his arrival and was dedicated to the improvement of the livestock industry in the state. Alongside Extension Specialist Ben Wamsley and Professor Marvin McClung, he started the first bull performance test at the Reymann Memorial Farm. • Served as livestock judging coach for 34 years and horse judging coach for 17 years. He was known for always putting learning before winning.

1990s 1990

The Natural Resource Analysis Center, a multidisciplinary research and teaching facility that provides geospatially-based research, is established in the College within the Division of Resource Management. The International Culture Collection of VA Mycorrhizal Fungi (INVAM) is transferred to WVU and merged with a local collection maintained by Joe Morton. This collection was developed by Norman Schenck, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida, who turned it over to WVU upon his retirement. INVAM is made possible through the support of the National Science Foundation, the Benedum Foundation, and the WVU Davis College.

1993

The Graduate-Dietetic Internship program is established in the College.

1996

College grants and contracts top

$2+ MILLION for the first time.

1997

A biochemistry program is established, with a Bachelor of Science offering in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. The program later evolves into an interdisciplinary BS program. The Westvaco Natural Resources Center, for which construction began in 1995, is dedicated. Created through the generous support of the MeadWestvaco Corporation, this teaching and conference facility is located in the WVU Research Forest.

Establishing an Experiential Program “The Graduate-Dietetic Internship program involved several years of planning, prior to our earning the approval to move forward. Given that there are many small hospitals throughout the state, the program was set up as an internship that involved a community experience. We have always focused our efforts on providing interns a wide array of experiences. Over the years, they have worked with WVU Extension agents and numerous agencies. The program is unique for many reasons, one being that students benefit from a two-year experience while earning a master’s degree. Furthermore, they are eligible to take the exam to become a registered dietitian. This really helps our students – especially as they seek job placement. Getting the program up and running was a great undertaking, but it was also very exciting. As the first director, I was there from the start, building relationships and finding placement sites. The program improved each year, and now, many of our graduates have reached supervisory levels in their careers. As an educator and a mentor, you are always happy to learn when your former students do well. I love to hear about their successes!” Betty J. Forbes, RD, LD, retired clinical dietitian and nutrition educator, WVU

Learn more: dietetics.wvu.edu. First- and second-year interns from the classes of 2013 and 2014.

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SUBMITTED BY WENDY THOMPSON ’14, GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO

1998

“Centigrad,” a celebration of the first 100 graduates of the Genetics and Developmental Biology program, is held.

The West Virginia Small Ruminant Project, first introduced as the “Sheep Management Project,” is established to help sheep and goat producers increase the economic efficiency and overall profitability of their small ruminant enterprises. Research is conducted by faculty, staff and students in the College and the WVU Extension Service.

WVU’s Organic Research Project is launched when a multidisciplinary team documents the influences of cover crops and compost on the transition from conventional to organic farming practices.

1998

100 Reasons to Celebrate WRITTEN BY NIKKY LUNA

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When Joginder “Jo” Nath was hired by West Virginia University in 1966, along with two other geneticists, he was issued a challenge by one of the members of his hiring committee.

Joginder “Jo” Nath (1932–2016) Joginder “Jo” Nath, a native of India, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Panjab University. He moved to the U.S. in his 20s, and earned a doctorate in genetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He retired from WVU in 2009 after 43 years of service – 35 of which were spent at the helm of the Genetics and Developmental Biology graduate program.

“He told me that one of the things the University would like the three of us to do is create a new genetics program that would be modern, up-todate and competitive with other programs in the country,” said Nath, professor emeritus and longtime chair of the genetics and developmental biology program. The first step in meeting that challenge: grow the program beyond the walls of the College of Agriculture and Forestry. “Before I came, genetics was only being taught in the College’s Agronomy and Genetics Department. So, any student who needed to

take genetics, whether they were in biology or a department in the medical center, would come to Agronomy and Genetics to take their courses,” Nath continued. “However, after the three of us were hired – that is, Dr. Dick Juberg, Dr. Don Doolittle, and me – we recruited about 35 to 40 faculty members from across campus to participate in the interdepartmental program.” The goal was to create a graduate program that included pediatrics, anatomy, pharmacology, biochemistry, microbiology, forestry, pathology, horticulture, and of course, the existing agronomy and genetics programs.

The Organic Research Project

West Virginia University is one of a small number of schools with a wellestablished organic agriculture program with research activities filtering into academics and outreach. The WVU Organic Research Farm is among the largest certified organic research farms in the nation. In 2014, Linda Butler, professor emeritus of entomology, endowed the Butler Organics Discretionary Fund to support the Organic Research Project. During her tenure at WVU, she was a part of the team of researchers that launched the initiative. The project encompasses many disciplines, including entomology, animal science, horticulture, soil science, crops agronomy and weed management.

“These inter-departmental activities, I think, are excellent. They bring together faculty to work together and appreciate each other. Also, it’s so good for the students to be able to see how things work together and to be able to see the broader picture.” Linda Butler

“As important as we see this CentiGrad Celebration, we do not consider it to be an end point, but rather a foundation from which the future success of the Genetics and Developmental Biology Program will continue.”

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“There were not many programs like ours,” Nath said. “We were among, perhaps, just five or 10 programs in the whole country with an interdepartmental program. “We were pioneers. We were leaders. We developed and ran a very strong program.” And they didn’t just restrict the program to WVU faculty. They wanted to open up the program Joginder Nath and Dennis O. Overman, associate professor of anatomy and developmental biology, to scientists outside of WVU, so they did. “CentiGrad, a Celebration of the First 100 Graduates,” an excerpt from the Introduction “The first place we looked was the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health,” Nath said. “We recognized that NIOSH had first-class equipment for cell and molecular biology and “It was a very rewarding exchange of ideas exceeded the number of graduates (104) since genetic research, so we recruited at least a halfbetween WVU scientists and scientists from eight of them had earned both a master’s and a dozen NIOSH scientists to serve on our faculty.” outside WVU,” Nath affirmed. doctorate. On June 26-27, 1998, approximately This partnership opened the door for graduate In 1998, the program reached a significant 70 of those graduates, along with their families, students, enabling them to work alongside NIOSH milestone – one that became an additional point of gathered in Morgantown for the event that year. scientists in a collaborative training environment. pride for Nath. Presentations were given by 34 of the graduates, “Of course, that isn’t the only case where we “I think another one of the most interesting including featured speakers Thomas Spelsberg, had collaboration with another institute,” Nath things we’ve done at WVU is the celebration of Eisenberg Professor of biochemistry at the Mayo continued. “We decided to look for such scientists 100 graduates of our program, which we called Medical School, and Anthony Carrano, director to collaborate with in places such as Lawrence CentiGrad,” Nath fondly recalled. “It was held in of the Human Genome Project at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, a very the summer of 1998 because, by that point, we Livermore National Laboratory. famous international lab, as well as Duke University, had produced 100 graduates – actually, a little over As part of the celebration, “CentiGrad, a the Department of the Navy, Department of the 100 – so it seemed like a good reason to have an Celebration of the First 100 Graduates” was Army and Columbia University.” event to celebrate the program’s success.” published, which featured nearly 50 abstracts To Nath, these partnerships were a major To be exact, the number of degrees awarded representing the activities of both graduates strength of the program. by the summer of 1998 totaled 112 – a figure that and students.

2000s

2000

Shavers Fork Monongahela National Forest

In collaboration with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, WVU researchers and students begin collecting data on brook trout in Shavers Fork in the Monongahela National Forest, creating the foundation for an ongoing, multi-agency watershed-wide habitat restoration.

2001

Two Morgantown sisters, Gladys Gwendolyn Davis and Vivian Davis Michael, make an $18.4 million gift to WVU. At the time, this was the largest private donation from individuals in the University’s history. Of their gift, $16.2 million was designated to the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences. In honor of the two women and their mother, Estelle Conaway Davis, the College was renamed the Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences.

The Rumen Fermentation Profiling Laboratory is established, offering economical rumen fermentation profiles of feeds, additives and fermentation modifiers, as well as conventional feed analysis to feed manufacturers, product developers and researchers.

Extraordinary Support, Exceptional Opportunities

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Gladys Gwendolyn Davis

Q U O TA B L E

“This is an unbelievable day in the life of this University. The women whose name will grace this college, Gladys and Vivian Davis, were not only generous, but very compassionate individuals.” David C. Hardesty Jr., President (1995-2007), WVU

Vivian Davis Michael

The generous gift from Gladys Gwendolyn Davis and Vivian Davis Michael provided a number of forms of support, including: • The creation of the Davis-Michael Scholars program in pre-veterinary medicine, which provides support for undergraduate scholarships; faculty development programs; instructional facilities, technology and equipment; and internships and seminars, among other related programming needs. • Endowed professorships — one for each division — and general support for the College. The first Davis-Michael Professors were Linda Butler in Plant and Soil Sciences and Robert Dailey in Animal and Nutritional Sciences, both selected in 2002. When Butler retired in 2012, Daniel Panaccione was selected to fill her vacancy. Simultaneously, Jim Anderson was selected as the recipient from the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Learn more: davismichael.wvu.edu

2002

2003

The E. Lynn Miller Lecture in Landscape Architecture is established through a gift from E. Lynn Miller, a 1953 graduate who received a degree in horticulture with an emphasis in landscape architecture.

The Wildlife Collection, housed in the Westvaco Natural Resources Center, is established through a gift from David and Cathy Samuel. David Samuel, professor emeritus of wildlife, taught at WVU from 1969 to 1998.

The initiative to establish the Geospatial Research Unit at WVU is launched. In the following year, language is placed in the Senate budget to formally create the partnership between WVU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Renewable Materials and Bioenergy Research Center is established to provide research leadership to the forest products sector in the Appalachian region and promote the success of the wood products industry and economic development in the region.

2005

The groundbreaking for the South Agricultural Sciences Building is held. After the building is completed, plant pathology and bacteriology move from Brooks Hall into the new facility. A dedication ceremony is held on January 12, 2006.

Samuel, pictured with a bull he harvested in Zimbabwe, 1988.

2007

The Division of Family and Consumer Sciences is renamed the Division of Design and Merchandising to reflect its academic programming: design studies, interior design, and fashion design and merchandising. The Child Development and Family Studies programs join the WVU College of Human Resources and Education.

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The Division of Forestry becomes the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources to better reflect its primary academic areas.

WVU launches the U.S.-China Energy Center to promote affordable, safe, clean technologies in coal and other energy resources through collaborations between the United States and China.

2008

The WVU Natural History Museum, housed in Percival Hall, is established with a gift of hundreds of animal specimens from Robert and Mary Lou Ester of Barboursville.

2009

WVU Photo

The Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences is renamed the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design. The Turkey Research Facility on the Wardensville Farm opens. The renovated facility, made possible through funding from the West Virginia State Legislature, supports poultry research trials conducted by the Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences and its research partner, the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative. WVU’s efforts to track brook trout populations in 25 streams throughout the state are recognized for research achievement at the United States Forest Service’s Rise to the Future and National Watershed Awards ceremony. The collaborative project dates back to early 2000s and includes researchers from WVU, the Fernow Experimental Forest, the Monongahela National Forest, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and MeadWestvaco.

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The Horticulture and Landscape Architecture programs partner on a joint Western Europe Study trip during the summer to expose students to an international perspective on agriculture, natural environments, manmade landscapes and different approaches to organizing society and managing the environment.

Pictured above: Jolanda Doornenbal (middle), a local tour guide and farm owner, leads the group on a countryside tour of farms and the cultural landscapes of central Netherlands. Bottom: Students visit a cornfield near ‘De Wulperhorster Bunt’ farm in the Netherlands. Photos: Sven Verlinden

2010s

2011

Maria Belcher, an interior design student from St. Albans, designs an official gold and blue tartan for WVU. Belcher’s design was selected out of 20 other designs and was registered with the Scottish Register of Tartan in Edinburgh, Scotland.

2010

“The thought that I could be walking around campus and pass a fellow student who is wearing a scarf of my tartan plaid makes me swell with pride. Knowing that my design will contribute to WVU’s history is an amazing feeling.” Maria Belcher

2011

WVU receives a $4.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a five-year, multidisciplinary effort, led by Susan Partington, associate professor of human nutrition and foods, to create effective pediatric obesity prevention strategies.

WVU Photo: Brian Persinger

The College is chosen as a Peace Corps Master’s International partner, and will participate in an innovative program that allows graduate students to pursue a Master of Science while also completing an international service internship with the Peace Corps.

WVU Photo: Brian Persinger

WVU researchers, led by Matt Wilson, then-interim director of the Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, and Hearts of Gold, an area nonprofit, partner with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to see if service dogs can help veterans recover from post-traumatic stress disorder.

WVU Photo: M.G. Ellis

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Megan Atkins, WVU graduate research assistant, conducts a grocery survey as part of the Choose to Change project, funded by the USDA grant.

2011 The Ray Marsh and Arthur Pingree Dye Professorship is created through a gift from Tom and Carolyn “Sue” Tatterson. This is the first named professorship in the College’s Division of Plant and Soil Sciences.

With support from a more than $2 million grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Cheryl Brown, associate professor of agriculture and resource economics, partners with Virginia Tech and North Carolina State to develop, implement and evaluate a “Foodshed Security” strategy to enhance the resiliency of the regional foodshed.

Ray Marsh and Arthur Pingree Dye Professor

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WVU receives a $321,000 grant from the Bureau of Land Management to support nationwide research to guide the development of wind power while allowing golden eagle and other raptor populations to live safely in concert with the development. Todd Katzner, research assistant professor of wildlife and fisheries resources, and Phil Turk, assistant professor of statistics, lead the research effort.

The Hardwood Research Trust is created through a gift from Richard “Dick” and Floyd Bowlby and a matching gift from the West Virginia Research Trust Fund, bringing the fund total to more than $1 million.

Photo: Todd Katzner

The five-year professorship seeks to advance teaching, research and service by providing a broad range of support to an outstanding faculty member. In 2016, Michael Gutensohn, assistant professor of horticulture, is named the first Ray Marsh and Arthur Pingree Dye Professor. His research focuses on the biosynthesis, biological function and application of plant volatiles.

2011 WVU researchers and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources launch a five-year stream restoration project, aimed at improving fish habitat and water quality in the Shavers Fork watershed. Fish Barrier Lamothe — One of the obstacles that keeps brook trout from traveling to preferred spawning grounds. Photo: Paul Kinder

“Brook trout are excellent indicators of water quality. If your brook trout population is thriving, that says volumes about the health of the stream.” Paul Kinder, research scientist Natural Resource Analysis Center, WVU Davis College

Chester

The many stakeholders of the Shavers Fork restoration project.

“This particular effort in Shavers Fork is relevant because it becomes this model system at which we can look and say, ‘if we can apply these principles … these approaches, then we can replicate this effort. On another level, it is a place that West Virginia can look at with pride and excitement as we reflect on its history and its future.” Todd Petty, associate dean of Academic Affairs and professor of aquatic sciences, WVU Davis College

Wheeling

Shinnston

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Parkersburg

As part of the West Virginia Redevelopment Collaborative initiative, four West Virginia communities are matched up with a “dream team” of faculty from Davis and Eberly Colleges, WVU Extension and private industry professionals to create redevelopment plans for each community.

2012 A grant from the Ross Foundation enables landscape architecture students to redesign the Point Park area of downtown Parkersburg.

WVU receives funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture to support research that will benefit the sheep industry, which faces a devastating threat in the form of destructive parasites. Assistant Professor of Food Animal Production Scott Bowdridge focuses his research efforts on St. Croix, a tropical breed developed under constant exposure to parasites, for possible solutions.

WVU partners with the International Society of Horticultural Sciences, the American Chestnut Foundation and the United States Department of Agriculture to host its third international symposium on the American chestnut at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown. More than 100 scholars from nine countries and more than 40 universities and U.S. agencies participated. The previous two symposiums were held in 1978 and 1992.

Adam Riley, right, and pilot Nicholas Hartsell look over the FAA sectional chart for the Albuquerque area on their way to Gallup, New Mexico. Photo: Paul Kinder

WVU Natural Resource Analysis Center researchers Paul Kinder and Adam Riley travel to the Midwest and Southwest to collect high resolution airborne light detection and ranging data to support the Public Broadcasting Service television series “Time Team America.”

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Photo: Lindsay Willey

“Being asked to support the ‘Time Team America’ program was an incredible opportunity for WVU NRAC. We are thrilled, as this will most certainly open more doors for us in archeological studies, and other small area, high-resolution landscape analyses.” A St. Croix hair sheep settles into the facility at WVU’s Animal Sciences Farm in Morgantown.

Paul Kinder

The Evansdale Greenhouse is completed, marking the beginning of a major renovation and rejuvenation of Evansdale.

Pictured above are participants from the Greenhouse Dedication Ceremony, held on September 20, 2012. Front row, left to right: Jim “Apples” McClelland, donor; James Clements, president (2009-2013), WVU. Second row, left to right: Michele Wheatly, provost (2010-2014), WVU; Renee Conneway, then-graduate student and undergraduate alumna; Joyce Allen, donor; Sven Verlinden, associate professor of horticulture. Third row, left to right: John Allen, donor; Rudolph Almasy, dean (2011-2012), Davis College; Barton Baker, director (1986-2014), Division of Plant and Soil Sciences.

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“The Evansdale Greenhouse is a brick-and-mortar representation of so many goals of WVU’s 2020 Strategic Plan for the Future. It will serve as an incubator for innovative, interdisciplinary research in the STEM disciplines, and it will enhance our learning environment for undergraduate and graduate students in a wide range of disciplines. We thank our partners and the generous donors who have made this facility possible for the University and the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.” Daniel J. Robison, dean, WVU Davis College

2013

Photo: Brian Persinger

Two teams of senior interior design students are recognized as regional winners during the 2013-14 Interior Design Educators Council Student Design Competition.

More than 22,000 requests are made for seed packets for the West Virginia ’63, a blightresistant tomato developed by Professor Emeritus Mannon Gallegly. The tomato was initially released to the public in 1963 in honor of the state’s 100th birthday.

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On September 12, the College breaks ground for the new Agricultural Sciences Building.

In their winning proposal for a model office space, Bridget McGowan of Bronx, New York, Kathryn Petruzzo of North Wales, Pennsylvania, and Sabre Wood, of Morgantown, combined an innovative scheme to improve worker productivity with a natural environment.

West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Walt Helmick, West Virginia State Treasurer John Perdue, Professor Emeritus Mannon Gallegly, former WVU President Jim Clements and Dean Daniel Robison at the groundbreaking ceremony.

In one winning WVU design entry, Laurel Fischer of Snowshoe, West Virginia, Maggie Knizat of Pittsburgh, and Alex Villaseran of Walnut Creek, California, demonstrated how design can directly affect work productivity, interaction and individual wellness.

2013 With support from a $159,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the College launches a Bachelor of Science in environmental and energy resource management.

The WVU Davis College Farm Project Fund is established through an initial gift of $50,000 from an anonymous donor. Throughout the year, more than 100 alumni and friends make matching gifts to the fund at various levels. The fund’s purpose is to support the operations, facilities and equipment on the Animal Sciences Farm.

2014 WVU receives a $270,000 grant from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to determine the population, productivity and health of bobcats in the state. Researchers use “DNA fingerprints” of the Mountain State’s bobcat to achieve research objectives.

CoBank, a national cooperative bank that provides financial services to agricultural cooperatives, rural infrastructure providers and other rural businesses in all 50 states, makes a $100,000 gift to create a fund that will support construction, equipment, salaries, scholarships, research, and other opportunities that advance the mission of the Davis College.

Thomas Rounsville, graduate student, and Amy Welsh, assistant professor of wildlife and fisheries resources. Photo: Brian Persinger

Janet Tou and Kristen Matak, associate professors of human nutrition and foods, receive a $435,353 grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to explore the potential of repurposing protein from underutilized fish.

CoBank Chief Executive Officer Bob Engel (left) with Dan Robison, dean of the Davis College.

Students in the Fashion, Dress and Merchandising program embark on the 40th annual New York Fashion Study Tour, led by Professor Nora MacDonald, who started the tradition in 1974.

Shawn Grushecky, assistant professor and energy land management (ELM) program coordinator, with ELM students at the 2016 NAPE expo in Houston, Texas. Photo courtesy of AAPL.

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In response to the booming Marcellus Shale growth in West Virginia and the increasing demand for energy professionals, WVU approves a Bachelor of Science in energy land management. It is one of only 10 programs in North America accredited by the American Association of Professional Landmen.

2014

The Nath Graduate Student Travel Award is established through a gift from Joginder “Jo” Nath, professor emeritus and long-time chair of the Genetics and Developmental Biology program. Dean Daniel J. Robison oversees the reorganization of the College from five academic divisions into three schools, “each with the opportunity to have vibrant divisions, better aligned disciplines and be better positioned for the collaborative and changing demands of academia for the next 50 years.” The College keeps its name, but now has a School of Agriculture and Food, a School of Forestry and Natural Resources and a School of Design and Community Development. Coincident with this reorganization, the dean restructures the College farm system, placing the farms under a director of farm administration and operations, with David P. Belesky serving as the first director.

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2015

After a catastrophic fire destroys almost a third of Harpers Ferry, the WVU Extension Service coordinates efforts to restore the historic town. Charlie Yuill, associate professor and thenchair of landscape architecture, develops an intricate concept plan for repairing the firedamaged outdoor areas and enhancing the streetscape of Harpers Ferry’s main thoroughfare, High Street.

The WVU Davis College sweeps the West Virginia Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition, which included a record field of 235 entries. Each winner was granted $10,000 to help make a business idea come to life.

West Virginia Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition Hosted by the BrickStreet Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

RenaSnacks

Category: Lifestyle and Innovation First Prize Winner: Jessica Elliot, animal and nutritional sciences undergraduate

Mountain State Hydroponics

Category: Hospitality and Tourism First Prize Winner: Gaylynn Johnson, horticulture graduate student

Weld Safe Technologies

Category: STEM First Prize Winner: Harold Vass, agricultural and resource economics graduate student, and Alan Davis, environmental and natural resource economics undergraduate

From left: Dr. Ajay Aluri, BPC coach; Gaylynn Johnson, Mountain State Hydroponics; Frank DeMarco, BPC coach; Nikki Bowmar, BPC coach; Jessica Elliot, RenaSnacks; Alan Davis and Harold Vass, Weld Safe Technologies; and Fonda Holehouse, BPC coach.

2015

WVU receives a $6.7 million gift from the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust to transform the equine educational facilities at the Reedsville Experiment Farm in Preston County into a new, modern teaching, research and extension center. In recognition of the gift, the farm is renamed the J.W. Ruby Research Farm and the center is named the Hazel Ruby McQuain Equine Education and Resource Center.

“The Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust’s continued commitment to investing in the University and the state supports our vision of providing welldesigned facilities and spaces that enhance learning and research opportunities for our students and faculty. I love that this beautiful farm and equine facility will be a lasting legacy to a couple who loved the horse industry and the important economic and educational roles it plays in our state.” E. Gordon Gee, president, WVU

“The Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust was impressed with the proposed renovations and additions to the University’s farm in Reedsville. Knowing the importance of the farm to the education and research mission of the University and the potential economic impact of the farm to the region, we welcomed the opportunity to help make these improvements possible. Mr. Ruby would be pleased to know that the property is once again going to be a showcase facility. He would be honored to have the farm carry his name.” Stephen B. Farmer, member of the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust Board of Trustees

WVU receives a $496,168 grant from the USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Nanotechnology for Agriculture and Food Systems program to make green energy materials even greener by using naturallyoccurring nanometer-level structures that already exist in plant matter. Jingxin Wang, professor of wood science and technology, leads a research team comprised of scholars from the Davis College and Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

Landscape architecture alum Bill Mechnick mentors current students during the studio drop-in breakfast as part of the program’s 50th anniversary kickoff event.

To help celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Landscape Architecture program hosts its inaugural alumni charrette, featuring six successful graduates of the program.

Eight students from the College are named American Degree recipients at the 88th National FFA Convention and Expo. The degree is awarded to members who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to FFA and have made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experiences.

WVU is one of 10 universities to receive a “100,000 Strong in the Americas” award, a White House initiative aimed at increasing student exchange and training programs between the Americas.

Gerard D’Souza, director, Division of Resource Economics and Management and a 2013 Fulbright Specialist, Nacional de Asuncion, Paraguay

DAVI S.WVU. E DU

“The project will support students of the Davis College, and is open to students majoring in similar disciplines. This partnership has strong momentum.”

2015

In the spring, the first horse foal is born in Reedsville at the J.W. Ruby Research Farm. The filly is named Artemis VT. Photo: M.G. Ellis

only W V U’s and ll a d U ter Goldwa r Schola

MEET

Hannah Clipp

Hannah Clipp, a 20-year-old wildlife and fisheries junior from Bel Air, Maryland, makes University history by being named a Udall Scholar and a Goldwater Scholar.

• Clipp’s achievement of earning both scholarships is an unprecendented feat.

• She is WVU’s fourth Udall Scholar and its 40th Goldwater Scholar. • She is a Presidential Scholar in the Honors College. • Secondary major: Multidisciplinary studies. • Dream job: Wildlife biologist focused on ecological research, with a specific focus on mammals and birds.

• Additional aspirations: Write novels and create picture books for youth that teach about wildlife and conservation.

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Artemis VT and Katarina Candee, multidisciplinary studies major.

“This was the first time we’d offered any sort of reproductive experience to our students. Through connections I have at Virginia Tech, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to foal out this year’s mare, Balencia VT.”

“My family didn’t hunt, fish, hike or camp, yet I have always fostered a passion for wildlife. … The field of wildlife is not glamorous or lucrative, but I love it, and I know that I can play a positive role in wildlife research, conservation and education.” Hannah Clipp

Crystal Smith, teaching associate professor of animal and nutritional sciences

As a result of the successful experience, Smith and Margaret Minch, teaching associate professor of veterinary medicine, were awarded a grant from the Davis-Michael Pre-Veterinary Sciences Fund to launch an annual small-scale breeding experience program beginning in the fall of 2015.

Photo: Scott Lituchy

2015

The Davis College receives funding from the William F. and Lynn D. Gauss Foundation and Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation to support the College’s service dog training program. Significant upgrades were made to the service dog training facility on the Animal Sciences Farm. College researchers develop a five-year project agreement with the West Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service to address conservation-related issues. This collaboration builds on the long-standing tradition of partnering with state agencies to improve the lives of West Virginians.

WVU faculty and student NRCS project researchers.

The WVU Davis College Young Innovators Fellowship program launches. The program provides students with the resources to turn their business ideas from “concept to creation” and is made possible by a $157,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and a $100,000 gift from Farm Credit.

2016

WVU creates the Institute of Water Security and Science and appoints Jason Hubbart, professor of hydrology and water quality in the Divisions of Plant and Soil Sciences and Forestry and Natural Resources, as director. The Institute is housed in the College and supported by the WVU Research Office.

Prema Arasu, a leader in biomedical research, public policy and global health and a professor of parasitology and infectious diseases at Kansas State University, serves as the College’s inaugural DavisMichael Distinguished Lecturer.

WVU receives funding, totaling $240,000, from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy to support the research of Ember Morrissey, assistant professor of environmental microbiology, who is working to better understand how microbial biodiversity influences carbon cycling in soil and impacts climate change.

WVU receives a $500,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to support research that explores the mechanisms responsible for insulin resistance using a nontraditional dairy cow model.

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The 2015-16 cohort of Young Innovators and members of the Resource Team.

Joseph McFadden, assistant professor of biochemistry, and a team of students spent the summer conducting research at DoVan Farms in western Pennsylvania. Photo: Brian Persinger

2016

The new Agricultural Sciences Building is completed on a site adjacent to the original Agricultural Sciences Building. It consists of more than 207,000 gross square feet of state-of-the-art laboratory, classroom and office space. Faculty and staff moved into the facility in August.

Q U O TA B L E

“The new Agricultural Sciences Building and the revitalized Evansdale are ushering in a new era. It is an era of cutting-edge learning and discovery for 21st century Mountaineers. And, true to our land-grant heritage, it is an era of redoubled service to West Virginia and the world.” E. Gordon Gee, president, WVU Building Dedication

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On September 9, more than 300 students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends celebrated the opening of the new building at a building dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Customized Finishing Touches Thoughtful consideration went into many of the finishing touches throughout the building. Gat Creek, a West Virginia-based furniture manufacturer that works exclusively with locally-sourced domestic hardwoods, provided some of the custom wood furniture. And featured on the wall of the main lobby is a handmade quilt made by interior design alumna Pamela Mann.

“This new building, which is truly state-of-the-art and the most advanced academic building of its kind, is a historic turning point toward the future of food, clothing and shelter – the fundamentals of life – as the University further embraces the state of West Virginia and all the good things that we can contribute toward our shared future.” Daniel J. Robison, dean WVU Davis College

2016 Photo courtesy of the State Fair of West Virginia

Students in the Landscape Architecture program help redesign the entryway to the fairgrounds for the State Fair of West Virginia.

In recognition of a former tradition, the College partners with Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream shop in Charleston to develop two signature ice cream flavors, Appalachian Apple Crumble and Land Grant Crunch, in honor of the University’s and College’s 150th anniversary.

Photo: M.G. Ellis

A Bittersweet Goodbye

Landscape architecture students working on design concepts for the State Fair fairgrounds during the 2016 alumni charrette. Photo: Lindsay Willey

The University Dairy when it was located Downtown.

In 2004, the College ended a long-standing tradition, dating back to its days in Oglebay Hall, of producing ice cream in the College’s Dairy Plant. In addition to selling the ice cream to the public, it was served in residence halls and at various University events.

REDISCOVERING

History

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In honor of the 150th anniversary of the College and the groundbreaking work of Experiment Station researcher A.D. Hopkins, Matt Kasson, assistant professor of forest pathology, and students from his research lab attempt to rediscover Ernoporicus kanawhae — a species from the bark beetle family Scolytidae. It was trapped in flight by Hopkins in 1891, marking the first and only documented sighting of the beetle. The original specimen was deposited in the National Insect Collection.

2017

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On February 7, WVU and the Davis College kicked off a yearlong 150th birthday celebration with ceremonial scoops of the signature anniversary ice creams during a lively event in the new Agricultural Sciences Building.

In honor of the College’s 150th anniversary, Mannon Gallegly, professor emeritus, and Mahfuz Rahman, assistant professor and WVU Extension specialist, release two new tomato varieties, referred to as the West Virginia ’17A and West Virginia ’17B. A limited number of growers were invited to participate in testing the new varieties over the summer. Alumni and friends were invited to submit names for the new tomato, with plans to announce the winning names on August 31, 2017.

President E. Gordon Gee (left) and Dean Daniel J. Robison serve the first slice of birthday cake at the 150th anniversary kick off event on February 7.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held in Morgantown for Falling Run Greenspace, an accessible, wooded valley developed into a network of four miles of trails that link WVU’s Downtown to the WVU Organic Farm. The project, led by Vaike Haas, assistant professor of landscape architecture, engaged over 1,000 student volunteers and crew leaders, resulting in 3,680 volunteer hours.

WVU faculty, students and administrators cut the ribbon during the formal opening of Falling Run Greenspace.

2017

On April 9-13, WVU hosts an international conference with WVU scholars and three prominent organizations: the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative and the West Virginia Mine Drainage Task Force. More than 400 people from across the world gather for the four-day event, organized by Jeffrey Skousen, professor of soil science and WVU Extension land reclamation specialist, and Louis McDonald, Jr., professor of soil chemistry and soil fertility.

Photo: WVU Photo

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the first time all three organizations have held a joint meeting. It is an honor for West Virginia University, the city of Morgantown and the state of West Virginia to host this international meeting. Given the current political attention to the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy industry, this is the perfect time for scientists, regulators and the industry to share their knowledge.â&#x20AC;? Jeff Skousen

18,000+

Jeffrey Skousen led a one-day field trip to a nearby surfaced mine during the 2017 conference.

The West Virginia Mine Drainage Task Force was formed in 1978 to investigate the acid mine drainage problem in West Virginia and surrounding regions. Task Force members represent the coal mining industry, regulators, private consultants and research scientists. Since 1980, the Task Force has held a symposium in Morgantown to discuss innovations in mining, reclamation and water quality.

The College welcomes more than 300 graduates to its alumni family, now totaling more than 18,000 individuals.

ALUMNI

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The cafeteria, a popular spot for faculty and students, was located on the first floor of the Agricultural Sciences Building. It was later refitted to accommodate a landscape architecture studio.

2017

worked out, looked better than what I had. I was duly impressed that a professor actually would take the time to prepare a schedule of classes for me without being one of his advisees. I changed majors and never regretted that decision. The following fall, I was formally in the building. The professors were very different in the “Ag School.” They wanted you to learn; they learned who you were; they wanted you to succeed. I was accepted readily by other students and was impressed with the camaraderie and fellowship: you were important. I became a student-worker for Dr. Don Horvath, working in his laboratory and in the summer in the pig barn training boars. Then, I worked in the laboratory for Dr. George McLaren grinding feed and pulverizing feed samples. Both were great teachers with high standards WRITTEN BY ROBERT A. DAILEY and expectations. A polished gray brick, four-story structure with laboratories, offices, In the back area of the building, I had physiology laboratory with Clyde conference rooms, libraries, reading rooms, classrooms, dairy plant, Johnson and advanced reproductive physiology class with Dr. Keith Inskeep. meat processing facility, and cafeteria – in the late 1950s, a state-ofThey instilled curiosity about how physiology worked. G001, GO29, GO31, the-art educational structure. and G101 were the standard teaching classrooms. In the meats lab, Dr. My first foray into the Agricultural Sciences Building was to visit Dr. Jim McBee held sway teaching carcass-cutting without a textbook, and in Harold “Doc” Kidder in his office in GO40. I had met him a week earlier at the milk lab, we learned organoleptic skills (dairy product tasting) from a WVU swim meet in the old Quonset Lair building. At the meet, Joe Cloud, Sam Weese. All great experiences and opportunities. While I was helping a longtime friend from Charles Town, introduced me to Doc, and they both classmates in another laboratory class, Dr. Gerry Anderson planted a seed encouraged me to change my major from biology to animal science. when he said, “You should go into teaching.” I was skeptical, but I agreed to take a look at it and arranged to meet After graduate school at Wisconsin and postdoctoral study at Emory Doc the next week. This was during spring registration, and I had already University, I accepted a position on the faculty in animal science at West put together a schedule for the fall. When I met with Doc, he pulled up Virginia University. When I returned, the same feelings I had had over ten a schedule that he had prepared, which, like all the rest of the ones he years earlier came to the fore. It was not just the building; it was the people. Demolition of the original Agricultural Sciences Building begins in the spring.

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Building Reflections

At left: Original Agricultural Sciences Building.

Photos submitted by Nikky Luna

April 10, 2017

April 26, 2017

1966 Dairy Products Judging Team (Robert Dailey, front, far left). At right: A series of images capturing a portion of the demolition process of the original Agricultural Sciences Building.

“Faculty and students will be drawn to the Ag School and realize that it is not really the building that they revere, but it is the people.” Robert A. Dailey

May 5, 2017

May 13, 2017

May 23, 2017 DAVI S.WVU. E DU

Many of my former professors were still on faculty. Of course, different students were there, but they were similar to those who had been my classmates. The building had the same draw to it, open 24-7 and alive with undergraduates primarily in the day and graduate students any day or time – a true seat of higher learning. So, I continued to learn in the same classrooms in the Ag School from some of the same professors as well as new ones, while I was teaching the next cadre of animal science students. I now had the onus of continuing the reputations they had established for excellence in education. Moving from the older building into the new was exhilarating but sad. Having sat in GO40 for 40 years, my footsteps to the office were engrained. New paths for the legs to learn to go to 2105. The building is quieter, with less foot traffic past the doors and fewer informal interactions. “HVAC” is now a reality and not just an exasperating experience. Once, the Ag School was the same brick as the Med and Engineering schools. Now, the building blends in with other new buildings and is part of the renewed Evansdale area. New opportunities avail themselves, but the gold standard remains excellence in undergraduate teaching. Students and faculty will meet in the modern classrooms to learn and expand their knowledge. The tradition will be renewed each academic year. Faculty and students will be drawn to the Ag School and realize that it is not really the building that they revere, but it is the people. You have to be here to get the feeling!

79 May 30, 2017

Who We Are Now COMPILED BY LINDSAY WILLEY

While the name and organization of our College has evolved over the last 150 years, our core mission and values have remained constant. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re committed to providing high-quality undergraduate and graduate education, conducting basic and applied research, engaging in creative and scholarly activities, and performing public outreach all while embodying excellence, leadership, stewardship, engagement and collaboration.

COLLEGE STRUCTURE 3 SCHOOLS

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School of

Agriculture and Food

School of

Natural Resources

Design and Community Development

4 DIVISIONS Division of

Animal and Nutritional Sciences

Division of

Plant and Soil Sciences

Division of

Forestry and Natural Resources

Division of

Resource Economics and Management

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS

UNDERGRADUATE Minors (21)

Agribusiness Management Agricultural and Extension Education Agroecology Animal and Nutritional Sciences Applied and Environmental Microbiology Biochemistry Design Studies Energy Land Management Environmental and Energy Resources Management Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Environmental, Soil and Water Science Fashion, Dress and Merchandising Forest Resources Management Horticulture Human Nutrition and Foods Interior Design Landscape Architecture Multidisciplinary Studies Pre-Veterinary Recreation, Parks and Tourism Resources Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Wood Science and Technology

Agribusiness Management Applied and Environmental Microbiology Arboriculture Conservation Ecology Environmental Economics Environmental Protection Equine Studies Fashion Merchandising Food Science and Technology Food Service Production Forest Resources Management Horticulture Landscape Studies Pest Management Recreation, Parks and Tourism Resources Rural Community and Development Soil Sciences Sustainable Design Sustainable Low Rise Residential Construction Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Wood Science and Technology

MASTERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

DOCTORATE

Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design Agricultural and Extension Education Agricultural and Resource Economics Agronomy Animal Physiology Applied and Environmental Microbiology Design and Merchandising Entomology Forestry Genetics and Developmental Biology Horticulture Landscape Architecture Multidisciplinary Studies Nutrition and Food Science Plant and Soil Sciences Plant Pathology Recreation, Parks and Tourism Resources Reproductive Physiology

Agricultural and Extension Education Animal and Food Science Forest Resource Science Genetics and Developmental Biology Human and Community Development Natural Resource Economics Plant and Soil Sciences Reproductive Physiology Resource Management

(based on enrollment numbers)

Animal and Nutritional Sciences Fashion, Dress and Merchandising Human Nutrition and Foods Forest Resources Management Wildlife and Fisheries Resources

2017-2018 BY THE NUMBERS 309

Members of the Freshman Class

95+

First-time Transfer Students Enrolled

2,240

NATIONALLY ACCREDITED PROGRAMS

15:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Total Students

2,002

Total Undergraduate Students

40%

West Virginia Residents

238

Total Graduate Students

60%

Nonresident

$540,000+

Amount in Annual Scholarships

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Majors (22)

Looking Ahead:

The Next 150 Years COMPILED BY JULIE CRYSER AND NIKKY LUNA

“The Division of Resource Economics and Management remains strong and resilient despite growing fiscal challenges. We maintain a welcoming academic environment and a student-centered focus. We have a dedicated staff, growing enrollment and a world-class faculty. We are one of the most diverse academic units in the College both culturally as well as academically. Goals include continuing to build student enrollment, retention and quality at both undergraduate and graduate levels, by offering new courses, including more online courses, and curricula in relevant and exciting new areas that better align with workplace demands, as well as high-quality publications and grants to further enhance our scholarly reputation.”

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Gerard D’Souza, director and professor, Division of Resource Economics and Management, School of Natural Resources

“The Division of Plant and Soil Sciences has a vision to be among the top academic units in the U.S. aligned with the plant, microbial, entomological, water, soil and environmental sciences. We seek to provide firstrate educational programs that prepare students for a wide variety of exciting and rewarding careers through instruction that combines scientific and theoretical understanding with hands-on-experience and practical problem-solving skills. As an academic unit focused on food, fiber, bioenergy and the environment, the division is uniquely positioned to prepare students and conduct research that searches out and finds solutions to today’s most pressing problems.” Matthew Jenks, director and professor, Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Agriculture and Food

As the WVU Davis College reflects on its past, it also looks to the future with enthusiasm and optimism. Here, some of the College’s current and future leaders (members of the Class of 2017) share their prospects for the future.

“As we look into the future, it is a bold, entrepreneurial spirit that will ensure our division’s success. The Forest Resources Management and Wood Science and Technology programs meet both traditional forestry practices as well as water-based and cutting-edge practices. This balance of wood use, renewable resources and bioenergy is nearly perfectly aligned to fit the world’s evolving need to rely on a more diverse set of technological solutions to solve complex problems. The Recreation, Parks and Tourism Resources program, also stout with nationally and internationally renowned academic scholars, focuses on the social needs within the world of natural resources. With a continued focus on the impacts of climate change, the need for social science will only grow. Focusing on our nation’s energy resources, and fully supported by demand from the energy industry, the Energy Land

Management program is just one of seven accredited landman programs nationwide. Since its establishment in 2014, it has grown from zero to 120 students. And, finally, with a groundswell of grassroots demands for cleaner land and water settings, the Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Management faculty and students are poised to move strongly into the future. The Division of Forestry and Natural Resources is repositioning itself to meet the ever-changing demands of natural resource management, while anchored to the traditions and science of forestry, wildlife and fisheries, energy, social science and renewable resources.” Robert Burns, director and professor, Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, School of Natural Resources “The Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences’ vision is to achieve premier status in fulfilling the three-part land-grant university mission: teaching, research and service. Instructional programs communicate the latest knowledge in animal sciences, biochemistry and human nutrition. Knowledge-based solutions to the most critical problems will come from multiple sources. Animal and Nutritional Sciences will employ diverse methods across disciplines to answer vital questions.” Robert Taylor, Jr., director and professor, Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, School of Agriculture and Food

Judith Wasserman, director and professor, School of Design and Community Development

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“The School of Design and Community Development educates future leaders in the professions of design (design studies, fashion, dress and merchandising, interior design; landscape architecture) and community development (community planning; agricultural and extension education) through integrating best professional practices and techniques to solve contemporary problems with creative strategies. The School promotes ethics of design and teaching excellence, environmental and economic sustainability, inclusion, social justice, community empowerment and professional accountability, and creates positive options for improved social, ecological and economic futures. The School will continue to provide engagement in real-world experiences within the design marketplace, while experiential classrooms provide outreach and service to communities by addressing issues at multiple scales.”

Looking Ahead:

The Next 150 Years

“Addressing issues related to malnutrition is dear to my heart. Also important to me: helping to address the obesity epidemic and improving the health among individuals so they can have a sustaining future.” Remi Famodu, PhD animal and food science

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“I’d like to help solve the water crisis in some way and, in West Virginia, help give jobs back to the people who have lost them due to the mining shutdown. In general, I hope to help address resource management issues affecting our state.” Carrie Tanner, BSAgr, environmental protection

“My career goals are to practice mixed animal medicine. I think a big issue with veterinary medicine is still the underlying divide that keeps it separated from human medicine. Even though there are already efforts being made to shift medicine to a “one health” standard, meaning that medicine will integrate optimal health focus for people, animals and the environment together, I still believe there is a disconnect between all parts. I hope to try and blur the lines between them. I want to show the world how we can combine human and animal knowledge to create something amazing.” Maria Schwartz, BS, animal and nutritional sciences, Davis College Outstanding Senior “I have the pleasure of working for Huber Engineered Woods in Commerce, Georgia, after graduation. One of the reasons I chose this company is their dedication to furthering wood products through research and development. I hope to continue my undergraduate research with expandable graphite application in the oriented strand board industry, which is already being studied at Huber. These studies will be used in construction applications to keep families and emergency personnel in the case of structural fire.” Nick Robertson, BSF, BS, wood science and technology, Davis College Outstanding Senior

“I think a major issue is that a lot of “As a graduate of the Human high school students don’t know Nutrition and Foods program, what they’re doing after they I hope to help solve our state’s graduate or, more importantly, issues with obesity and chronic they don’t really believe in health conditions.” themselves. So, I want to be Maggie Drazba, that teacher who inspires them to see the beauty BS, human nutrition and foods, in themselves, and I want to be that person who is Davis College Outstanding Senior there for them, even though a lot of people in their lives may not be.” “I want to manage wildlife for Tiffany Harvey, BSAgr, recreational opportunities that “I would like to be an agriculture and extension education allow people to enjoy nature. It’s advocate for landscape something that I’ve enjoyed it all architecture and spread “This fall, I’ll be attending the New my life, and I want other people the word of what we do. England College of Optometry to enjoy it, too.” Specifically, I would like to in Boston, Massachusetts. Matt Stevens, BS, wildlife and fisheries resources work in the realm of urban My biggest hope is that I can design, where landscape eventually reduce some of the “With my degree, I’ll have a architects serve as the lead stress or fear that some people variety of things I can do. I would role in planning and design. experience during patient visits. I want to help people like to help the equine industry I feel that my education feel calm and comfortable – attending an appointment and racing industry, advocating shouldn’t be an experience that causes anxiety.” for racehorses and ensuring that from WVU has prepared me to fulfill this role.” Erika Ridgway, BS, applied and environmental they are not just used as property.” Connor Price, BSLA, Davis College Outstanding Senior microbiology, Davis College Outstanding Senior Shelby Sherman, BMDS

“I want to motivate people to live more sustainably in everyday life through my own actions. I think we can all live satisfied lives with less ‘stuff.’ I think it is important to realize the impact humans have on the environment and actively seek a better way of living and utilizing the resources we have. Everything we do affects the natural world, and I feel if we all made small changes, we’d be better off.” Emily Janzow, BS, environmental and natural resource economics, Davis College Outstanding Senior “I believe there are many issues in the world’s energy system that need to be solved. Being that my degree is focused on the energy sector, I believe one day I may be in a position to help solve some of these issues. A particular concern of mine is the world’s depleting fossil fuels and our reliance on these fossil fuels for energy. My coursework through the Davis College has clearly shown me that the production and consumption of fossil fuels like coal and natural gas can be economically beneficial. However, I think that many people, especially our policy makers, are not concerned enough about creating a sustainable future for energy. One day I hope to contribute in some way to a shift toward renewable energy sources in the United States.” Elliot DiGioia, BS, environmental and energy resources management, Davis College Outstanding Senior

Class Of

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“I will continue my education at West Virginia University in the School of Medicine. As a physician, I hope to work toward the improvement of healthcare in West Virginia’s rural communities by working to break down the barriers to healthcare that exist in these areas.” Kristen Mastrantoni, BS, biochemistry, Davis College Outstanding Senior “As a designer, I’d like to help address issues that related to sustainability. I know that is something I can conquer through my designs.” Cassidy Sharak, BS, interior design “I want to work in agriculture. Agriculture is my passion. Anything in the agriculture community that involves working with farmers is what I want to do with my career.” Britani Chambers, MAgr “As a horticulture major, I hope to solve issues pertaining to food, crop production, hunger – those are just a few of the areas I feel I can have an impact on because of my degree from West Virginia University.” Ryder Pahukoa, BSAgr, horticulture

“As I begin my career in event planning, I hope to consistently provide incredible service that meets my client’s highest expectations and also allows them the most stress-free experience possible. As clients live their own lives and accomplish their own goals, I like to think their lives are easier because they can trust me to provide fantastic event services. If I can continue to gain people’s trust to coordinate their special events and also provide guests with happy memories, I believe our world will be a little better because of it.” Michaela Schaefer, BS, design studies, Davis College Outstanding Senior DAVI S.WVU. E DU

“I’d like to help address problems in the homeless community. I hope to do that through going to med school and providing healthcare services to those people who don’t have it all the time.” Angela Haikal, BS, biochemistry

“I’m very passionate about education, especially coming up in West Virginia. So I want to continue that route and reach out to more people to make education more accessible to everyone in the state.” Elijah Lipps, BS biochemistry

The First 150 Years:

Deans and Directors In 1888, West Virginia University adopted the conditions of the Hatch Act, establishing the Agricultural Experiment Station. John Myers was appointed as its first director. After the Agricultural College was formally established within the University in 1895, Myers was named dean of the College, while retaining the position of Experiment Station director. He held both positions until 1897. The dean and director roles have been combined and separated over the years. From 1897-1911, 1922-1927, and 1959-1971, the roles were separated into two positions.

1888-1897 John A.

Myers

Stewart

1915-1921 John Lee

1922-1927 George Richard

1922-1927 Henry G.

dean and director

dean

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director and dean (1895-1897)

1897-1911 Thomas Clark

Atkeson dean

1912-1915 E. Dwight

Sanderson dean and director

1897-1911 James H.

Coulter

Lyman

director

Knight director

1928-1938 Fred Dinton

1938-1949 Clayton R.

dean and director

Kottman

VanLandingham

1960-1963 Ernest J.

1964-1974 Robert S.

1975-1984 Dale W.

1984-1993 Robert H.

1993-1994 Barton S.

dean

dean (1964-71) dean and director (1971-74)

dean and director

1994-1999 Rosemary R.

1999-2000 Robert A.

2000-2011 Cameron R.

2011-2012 Rudolph P.

2012-present Daniel J.

dean and director

Fromme

Nesius

Dunbar, Jr.

Dailey

Varney

Zinn

Hackney

dean and director

1958-1959 Roy M.

Maxwell

Almasy

1959-1971 Audrey H. director

Baker

Robison

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Haggett

Orton

1950-1957 Harry R.

Learning Launchpoints

1960

University Forest 8

Farms and Forests COMPILED BY NIKKY LUNA

Monongalia Co.

1895

Animal Sciences Farm

University Farm Woodlot

1915

Organic Research Farm

Kearneysville

1944

J.W. Ruby Research Farm

Reedsville

4 1917

Morgantown 1949

1930

Kearneysville Tree Fruit Research and Education Center

Morgantown

Agronomy Farm

Davis Tract Monongalia Co.

Morgantown 1895

Early 2000s

1970

Tygart Valley Forest

Reymann Memorial Farm Wardensville

Dailey

Morgantown

In 1895, the College expanded its research and laboratory space with the acquisition of its first Experiment Station farm. The original 81-acre farm was located north of the intersection of Protzman and Van Gilder Streets in Morgantown. Since that time, the College’s assemblage of “living laboratories” has expanded to more than 3,400 acres of farmland and 8,100 acres of forest that serve the needs of both the College and the WVU Extension Service.

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1970

Willow Bend Demonstration Farm Union

Animal Sciences Farm, ca. 1970.

Photo taken from a 1968 edition of “The Cruiser,” a publication of the Division of Forestry.

Agronomy class, ca. 1925.

Animal Sciences Farm

University Farm Woodlot

Agronomy Farm

Located on the outskirts of Morgantown, this 935-acre farm consists of part of the original 1895 dairy farm, part of the property bought in 1915 and land acquired in 1941 with State-appropriated funds. In addition to supporting a wide range of teaching and research activities, the farm has developed a longstanding tradition of openining itself up to the community for educational tours and other engagement activities.

Originally known as the Stock Farm Woods, this 110-acre tract is located adjacent to Animal Sciences Farm. In 1953, management of the property was transferred from the Division of Animal Husbandry to the Division of Forestry. The forest is made up of a mixture of cove hardwoods of various ages and some exotic conifer species such as bald cypress, Norway spruce and Douglas fir.

This 175-acre farm is located in Morgantown, approximately three miles from the Evansdale area of campus. The original farm was acquired in 1915. In 1946, the Experiment Station traded acreage from this original farm to Morgantown to build an airport, receiving the county farm in return. In 1959, additional acreage on the original farm at the airport site was traded for what is now the Agronomy Farm.

Learn more: davis.wvu.edu/about-davis-college

An early photo of the Reymann Memorial Farm.

Kearneysville Farm, ca. 1930.

Before it was acquired by WVU, a large portion of the farm was known as Sterling Farms, owned by J.W. Ruby (far right).

Reymann Memorial Farm

Kearneysville Tree Fruit Research and Education Center Acquired in 1930, this 165-

J.W. Ruby Research Farm

acre farm located west of Kearneysville was originally intended to be used as a dairy enterprise – a concept that never materialized due to the dairy operations at the Reymann Memorial Farm. Instead, the farm developed to serve fruit-growing enterprises. On the property is the 8,000 square-foot Edwin Gould Building, which houses an office, laboratories, cold storage rooms, a library and a conference room.

The first portion of this property, formerly known as the Reedsville Farm, was acquired in 1944 through the Arthurdale Homestead Project. Additional acreage was added in 1982. The farm, now 995 acres, primarily serves as home to the College’s equine program, and much of the acreage is used for forage crop production. In 2015, the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust provided $6.7 million to modernize the equine educational facilities.

The Organic Research Farm serves as a living classroom for undergraduate and graduate student learning.

Composed primarily of oak-hickory, oak-yellow poplar and A roadside view of the 238-acre Willow Bend Farm. mixed hardwoods, the forest is used as an outdoor laboratory.

Organic Research Farm This 77-acre site was acquired in 1949 through a gift to the College, and is located in Morgantown and borders the former Dairy Farm. Some portions of the farm’s property date back to 1915, when WVU acquired the Agronomy Farm and other contiguous farms. Formerly referred to as the Horticulture Farm, it is among the largest certified organic research farms dedicated to teaching, research and outreach.

University Forest

This farm was given to the University in 1917 by the Anton Reymann family of Wheeling in memory of Lawrence A. Reymann. The 996-acre farm is located approximately two miles north of Wardensville in Hardy County. The farm has various cattle barns for performance and research, a bull barn and shed, a sheep barn and a broiler/breeder building.

Tygart Valley Forest

Located near Dailey in Randolph County, this 504-acre tract of upland oaks was acquired from the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare in 1970. Over the years, research has centered on natural regeneration of oak types and on oak wilt disease.

Willow Bend Demonstration Farm

Located three miles south of Union in Monroe County, this farm was given to WVU to in 1970 by R.W. Johnson. The farm primarily serves as a demonstration site for beef cattle, sheep husbandry practices and pasture management. The farm is also home to the annual Autumn Harvest Festival, a tradition that began in 1982.

Davis Tract Acquired in the early 2000s, the Davis Tract is 126 acres of wooded property in Monongalia County, used for classroom and laboratory exercises.

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Located 12 miles east of Morgantown, the University Forest is part of the original Coopers Rock State Forest. This 7,664-acre forest is managed to support programs in the College’s Division of Forestry and Natural Resources under the terms of a 99-year lease that was initiated in 1960 with the West Virginia Division of Forestry.

Student Organizations Clubs and Honorary Societies

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Since the Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early beginnings, organizations, clubs and societies have fulfilled an important role in the WVU experience, shaping students into doers and leaders. The Davis College is proud of the legacy that has been built by student organizations and the faculty and staff mentors who help guide them.

The WVU Soils Team, 2016 National Champions, Collegiate Soils Contest. Pictured with the team are Coach James Thompson (far left), WVU President E. Gordon Gee (middle) and Davis College Dean Daniel Robison (far right).

Alpha Gamma Rho Est. ca. 1990 AGR provides social and professional opportunities to its members, who have shared career interests in agriculture, food and/or fiber industries.

American Fisheries Society Est. 2000 The WVU student sub-unit of the American Fisheries Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to provide a professional forum for fisheries students and faculty members interested in fisheries pursuits. Prior to recognition by the parent chapter, fisheries students were involved in the WVU Wildlife and Fisheries Club.

American Society of Interior Designers Est. 1987 Promotes professionalism in interior design services and products for the workplace and home.

Biochemistry Club Est. 2014 The purpose of the organization is to reach out to the community and to network with those with an interest in science.

Davis College Student Ambassadors Est. 2014 Student volunteers whose mission is to represent the Davis College and connect with prospective students at recruitment events.

Block and Bridle Club Est. ca. 1951 Its mission is to promote the improvement and increase the interest among students of animal science and to bring closer relationships among men and women pursuing a career related to animal science.

Energy Land Management Association Est. 2015 To foster relationship building among ELM students; to cultivate relationships between ELMA students and professionals; and to develop community support/volunteer skills as an official WVU student association.

Collegiate 4-H Est. 1930s To maintain and increase interest in 4-H, promote the four-fold development and provide service to the University and vicinity.

Food Science Club Est. 2014 This club aims to foster relationships between students with an interest in food science, while offering a national network for students who wish to obtain an internship or career in foodscience related fields.

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Davis College Graduate Student Association Est. 2004 Bridging and enhancing the academic, intellectual and social opportunities of graduate students of the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.

Fashion Business Association Est. 1983 The FBA provides students in the Fashion, Dress and Merchandising program at West Virginia University with the opportunity to experience many different aspects surrounding the field.

People for Organic Practices Est. 2015 With a passion for organic farming, the group’s overarching goal is to gain research and growing experience in sustainable agriculture.

Forest Products Society Est. 1976 FPS is an international society of professionals in the wood products industry, government agencies and universities. The student chapter constructs various woodworking projects for the benefit of the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources and the Wood Science and Technology program.

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Get Fruved Est. 2016 To improve lifestyles, environment and behaviors toward healthfulness.

Livestock Judging Team Est. 1919 WVU livestock judging team focuses on developing both livestock and professional skills for students. Students involved develop skills in critical thinking and presenting oral reasons.

Graduate Resource Economics Club Est. 1992 Comprised of graduate students studying agricultural and resource economics.

Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences Est. 2013 The mission of MANRRS is to promote and implement initiatives that foster inclusion and advancement of members of ethnic and cultural groups who are underrepresented in agricultural and natural resource sciences and related fields.

Mountaineer Collegiate FFA Chapter Est. 1937 FFA makes a positive difference in Horticulture Club the lives of students by developing Est. in 2005, splitting off from the their potential for premier leadership, Plant and Soil Sciences Club. Formally personal growth and career success recognized in 2008. through agricultural education. The Dedicated to educating young horticultural professionals, this club is Mountaineer Collegiate FFA chapter open to all horticulture majors, minors was organized on March 2, 1937, with 29 members. Wayne Faulkner was the and others interested in horticulture first chapter president. at WVU.

Plant and Soil Science Club Est. 1993 The primary club for the Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, its mission is to increase interest in plant and soil sciences and related fields through yearly plant sales and educational lectures.

Pre-Veterinary Club Est. late 1950s To foster leadership and offer opportunities for students to explore aspects of the veterinary field.

Professional Recreation and Parks Society Est. 1970s as the Recreation Club. Formally recognized in 2004 with its current name. The Society’s mission is to keep students informed about professional and academic opportunities, provide recreationrelated services to the community and, last but not least, to have fun!

40th

Annive

Sigma Alpha Est. 1994 SA is a professional agricultural sorority that promotes scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship among its members. The sorority was founded in 1978 at The Ohio State University by five women who wanted an alternative to the social Greek sorority system.

Society of American Foresters Est. 1972 To advance the science, technology, education and practice of professional forestry in America and to use the knowledge and skill of the profession to benefit society.

Society of Environmental Professionals Est. in 2006 with its first organizational meeting and formally recognized in 2007. Promotes academic and career development, as well as ethical practices, technical competency and professional standards in the environmental fields. Student Association of Nutrition and Dietetics Organizational activities date back to early 1990s. Officially recognized as a University organization in 2004. To acquaint students with all aspects of dietetics, provide sound nutritional information to the community and stimulate sound nutritional practices among peers.

r s ar y

Student Society of Landscape Architects Est. 1977 The professional organization of the landscape architecture program. It sponsors a showcase of student projects at the end of each year, as well as professional development opportunities.

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Students – WVU Est. 2014 Representing college and universitybased groups of students, USGBC Students provides a way for hundreds of young leaders to come together and participate in hands-on green building experiences on their own campuses through service initiatives.

WVU Cooking Club Est. 2007 The WVU Cooking Club is the first official cooking club at West Virginia University. The club allows students to indulge in a variety of different foods while learning about cultures and their cooking techniques.

WVU Dairy Science Club Est. 1921 Originally founded as the Anthony Dairy Club to honor Dr. E.L. Anthony, head of the Dairy Department, this club is an active chapter of the student affiliate division of the American Dairy Science Association. Following various lapses in activity, the club was formally reestablished in fall 2007.

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WVU Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology Est. 2013 The mission of the society is to unite and inspire members with a love for nature and wildlife, promoting awareness of global, regional and local issues and encouraging participation in conservation efforts by providing career and networking opportunities for members.

WVU Collegiate Horsemen’s Association Formally recognized by the University in 2008 and active by 2011. This club brings students together to network with other students – across all disciplines – and industry professionals at WVU and around the country. Educational events like horse expos, shows and tours, guest speakers and social activities are some of the opportunities provided.

50trhsary

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Annive

WVU Ducks Unlimited Chapter Est. 2011 This organization is dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl, other wildlife and people.

WVU Soils Team Est. 1967 Collegiate soil judging provides training and practical experience in the methods of soil and site evaluation used by professional soil scientists. The WVU team has competed in the Southeastern Regional Soil Judging Contest since its establishment, bringing home national championships in 2006 and 2016.

WVU English Equestrian Team Est. 1990 The mission of this club sport team is to provide students at any skill level the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of horsemanship and general equestrian skills. The team competes under the rules and regulations of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and is broken up into showing and non-showing members.

WVU Fishing Club Est. 2008 This club aims to ensure proper sportsmanship in the club sport of fishing and promote the high standard of ethics gained from fishing.

WVU Poultry Judging Team Est. 1941 This team provides members the opportunity to master live bird and poultry product evaluation skills that are essential to all poultry science fields.

WVU Student Society of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Est. 2014 The societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to educate and advise members about the science, technology, education and practice of urban forestry, arboriculture and related fields and to use the knowledge and skill of the profession to benefit members and society.

WVU Timbersports Club The organization started as the Forestry Club in the late 1930s and was renamed in 2015. This student group – open to any WVU student – competes in timber sports activities throughout the year.

WVU Chapter of the Wildlife Society Organizational activities began in 1966. Officially recognized as a University organization in 1998. Student organization that supports and assists students majoring in wildlife and fisheries resources through recreational and professional opportunities.

2016-2017 ACADEMIC YEAR

Gamma Sigma Delta Est. 1959 Gamma Sigma Delta is an honor society dedicated to recognizing academic achievements and/or accomplishments as a student, faculty member, alumnus or industry and University supporter. Its purpose is to promote and recognize achievements of individuals who excel.

NATIONAL HONORARIES

Phi Upsilon Omicron Est. 1985 Phi U is the Family and Consumer Sciences National Honor Society. Its purpose is to recognize and promote academic excellence; enhance qualities of leadership through service opportunities; and encourage lifelong learning and a commitment to advance family and consumer sciences and related areas.

JUDGING TEAMS

Rho Chapter of Xi Sigma Pi Est. 1952 An international honor society for forestry- and natural resourcesrelated sciences. Its mission is to secure and maintain a high standard of scholarship in forest resources management education; work for the improvement of the forest resource management profession; and promote a fraternal spirit among those engaged in activities related to forest resources.

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Alpha Tau Alpha Est. 1978 This organization’s purpose is to promote the highest standards of agricultural education and a more intimate acquaintance and closer relationship with individuals who have chosen a major in agricultural education or extension education.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

WVU Western Equestrian Team Est. 1990 The mission of this club sport team is to provide students at any skill level the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of horsemanship and general equestrian skills. The team follows the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association format and is divided into showing and non-showing members.

Leading with Distinction Building on a tradition of delivering high-quality education with an unparalleled commitment to students and service, WVU Davis College faculty and alumni have earned distinguished University honors many times over the years. Likewise, many of the College’s students have earned nationally competitive scholarships and top honors from West Virginia University.

Benedum Distinguished Scholars

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The Benedum Distinguished Scholar Awards, which are awarded annually and funded by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, were established in 1985-86 to honor and reward University faculty for excellence in research, scholarship or creative endeavors.

1990

Walter C. Labys Emeritus Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics Award in the Behavioral and Social Sciences Category

1994

Dale K. Colyer Emeritus Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics Award in the Behavioral and Social Sciences Category

1996

E. Keith Inskeep Professor of Reproductive Physiology Award in the Biosciences and Health Sciences Category

1998

William L. MacDonald Professor of Plant Pathology Award in the Interdisciplinary Category

1999

William E. Hoover Emeritus Professor of Animal Nutrition Award in the Biosciences and Health Sciences Category

2001

Linda Butler Emeritus Professor of Entomology Award in the Biosciences and Health Sciences Category

2005

Robert A. Dailey Professor of Reproductive Physiology Award in the Biosciences and Health Sciences Category

2012

Jianbo Yao Associate Professor of Professor of Animal Biotechnology and Genomics Award in the Biosciences and Health Sciences Category

2013

Joseph Morton Professor of Plant Pathology Award in the Biosciences and Health Sciences Category

2015

Jingxin Wang Professor of Wood Science and Technology Category of Bioscience and Health Sciences

Ethel and Gerry Heebink Award for Distinguished State Service

Established in 1982, this recognition is awarded annually to a faculty or staff member for exemplary service to the state of West Virginia over an extended period of time (at least eight years). In 1992, an additional award for “Beginning Service” was created to recognize those who have provided significant service to West Virginia within a shorter time period.

WVU Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching

In celebration of its 30th anniversary in 1984-85, the West Virginia University Foundation endowed a fund to establish the WVU Foundation Awards for Outstanding Teaching. This annual award honors faculty who are particularly effective, inspiring teachers or who have established patterns of exceptional innovation in teaching methods, course and curriculum design and instructional tools.

1991

Charles Sperow Professor and Extension Specialist, Agronomy

1994

Jeffrey G. Skousen (Beginning Service Award) Professor of Soil Science and Extension Specialist

2002

Paul E. Lewis Professor of Animal and Nutritional Sciences

2003

Stacy A. Gartin Professor of Agricultural and Extension Education

2005

Barbara G. Warash Professor of Child Development and Family Services

2012

Kenneth P. Blemings Professor of Biochemistry

2011 Robert A. Dailey Professor of Reproductive Physiology 2014

Jeffrey G. Skousen Professor of Soil Science

1985

Harold “Doc” E. Kidder Emeritus Professor of Animal and Nutritional Sciences

1996 Robert A. Dailey Professor of Reproductive Physiology

2013 Fonda Holehouse Teaching Associate Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics 2015 Michael Strager Associate Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics 2017

James A. Thompson Professor of Soil Science

Order of Vandalia

Regarded as the highest honor for service to the University, the Order of Vandalia dates back to 1960 when Elvis J. Stahr, then-president of WVU, advocated that the “most loyal servants to West Virginia University” be honored with a special recognition. 1970 Maurice G. Brooks Professor Emeritus 1979 Carleton P. Dorsey BSAgr, 1927 1995 1997

Mary E. Templeton Professor Emeritus

1998

Gladys W. Knapp BSHE, 1935

Ernest J. Nesius Professor Emeritus

2000

Helen Tucker Waters BSHE, 1932

2005

Billy L. Coffindaffer BSAgr, 1950

2005

Vivien P. Woofter BSHE, 1952

2013

Elizabeth “Betsy” Brown BS, 1959

2016

Joginder “Jo” Nath Professor Emeritus

Goldwater Scholars

WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni

The Academy of Distinguished Alumni honors WVU graduates who have attained national or international distinction in their profession or discipline. The award has been established by the West Virginia University Alumni Association in cooperation with the University’s 14 schools and colleges. 2013 Joel G. Newman BS, 1971 2015 Rustin M. Moore BS, 1986 2014 Gopala Krishna PhD, 1984 2017 George C. Fahey BA, 1971; MS, 1974; PhD, 1976

2015 Hannah Clipp

Established by Congress in 1986, the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship recognizes students with a strong commitment to a career in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering.

Udall Scholars

2015 Hannah Clipp

First awarded in 1996, the Udall Scholarship program selects recipients based on their level of commitment to careers related to the environment, American Indian healthcare or tribal policy, as well as their leadership potential, record of public service and academic achievement. 2015 Clara Beth Novotny (finalist)

The Rhodes Scholarships, supported by the Rhodes Trust, are the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship awards in the world. Each year, 32 students are selected as Rhodes Scholars, through a decentralized process representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories.

Established in 1995 by the WVU Foundation in recognition of its 40th anniversary, the Outstanding Seniors Award recognizes students for their scholarship, leadership and service. From that group, the top eight students are recognized with the Order of Augusta, which further recognizes students’ superior scholarship, demonstrated leadership and record of community and public service. The award is named for its historical significance in the state. “Augusta” was among the original names considered by the Legislature when the state seceded from Virginia in 1863. Outstanding Seniors and Order of Augusta Recipients* 1995

Laura A. Jewell* Michelle Prigge Maximillian, T.H. Suchy

1997

Karin Berghahn Aaryn Donaldson Carolyn E. Yagle* Jarred W. Yates

1998

Rini Banerji Magan Louve Angela Waligora

1999

Karen Higgins John Keeney Celena Morgan Carrie Ruddle

2002

Karen G. Cox Roger G. Hanshaw* Jeffrey S. Huff

2003

Erin K. Master* Kavara S. Vaughn*

2004

Bethanie Morris Natalie Sanders

2005

Natalie R. Bumgarter* Neil R. Bumgarter* Jessica E. Clark Katherine H. Lott*

2006

Ashley N. Latos

2007

Elizabeth Gebhard* Matthew Schessler*

2008

Chelsea Becker Angela Dial* Anna Phoenix Julie Roop

2009

Elizabeth Gebhard Matthew Schessler Anna Warner

2010

Becky Berkebile Nina Chase* Maria Dalzot Andrea Garton Melissa Stevens

2011

Renee Conneway Kristine Finley* Matthew Gryskevich Katelyn Hlusko Stanley Strawbridge*

2012

Brittany Bowman Amy Burt* Tina Hoggarth* Katrina Lawrence Jedson Liggett II Christian Roper

2014

Lauren Daub Amanda Harker Rachel Manning* Karina Walker

2015

Madison Meadows Divine Nwafor* Lucas Price* Jessica Rubino

2016

Hannah Clipp* Amanda Hill* Clara Beth Novotny*

2017

Alexander Battin Margaret Drazba Matthew Koh Joshua Lokant Kristen Mastrantoni

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Rhodes Scholars

WVU Foundation Outstanding Seniors and Order of Augusta

From the Transcripts

We invited our students and alumni to share why they love the Davis College, giving extra attention to the graduating class of this special milestone year. Here, we share some highlights from the interview transcripts. From the College’s “strong sense of family” to its exceptional opportunities, you’ll see they had no trouble sharing their reasons for loving WVU’s founding academic unit.

“My summer internship in 1981 with Colorado State Parks and Outdoor Recreation was an awesome experience as a park ranger that I still reflect on. I ended up moving there after graduation and working in the parks and recreation field for about nine years before I moved to my current home in South Carolina. I am glad it was a degree requirement, as it forced me out of my young mind’s comfort zone!” Thomas Knowles ’81, BSR, recreation and parks management

Photo: Brian Persinger

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“Davis College is great. Some of my favorite professors include Dr. inger Verlinden, Dr. Kotcon, Dr. s “The Davis College “With Nora (MacDonald), I did independent r e P : Brian Photo Davis and Dr. Frank, to feels like home.” study after independent study, designing talent Sierrah Gaddy ’17, costumes for people who were in beauty pageants name a few.” Ryder Pahukoa ’17, BSAgr, agricultural and hostesses’ ball gowns for events like the and extension Monongalia General Hospital Ball of the Year … The BSAgr, horticulture education College has had so many very talented, inspiring “Dr. Nessleroad was instructors who have influenced the past of all R yder the greatest! Loved of the students. I P ahuk oa the labs and the wanted to learn farms!” Stephen everything they G. Knopp ’76, had to offer. It was BSAgr, resource all invaluable and management has helped shape our business and the “I love the Davis path that I took in ’17 y d College because my life.” d a hG a it gave me an Connie Chico r r S ie opportunity Merandi ’81, BS, to expand my “An experience textiles, clothing education and that had a positive and fashion do what I love to impact on me was my summer merchandising do, which is mix internship in 1978, which was Connie Chic business with a requirement for graduation. “What I loved most o Merandi ’81 energy.” I landed a job as a seasonal about the Davis park naturalist with the Virginia College was the strong Artis Thorne ’17, BS, State Park System and secured a position at sense of a family A rtis Tho environmental Seashore State Park in Virginia Beach (now called atmosphere. Even though we came from all walks rne ’17 First Landing State Park). This sent me on my way of life, we all were connected by common interests and energy Photo: Brian Pe in a career in conservation. Overall, I had a very and became a close-knit group of students, faculty resource rsinger management positive experience.” and staff who built relationships that will last a Jessica Giusti Strother ’78, BS, lifetime!” recreation and parks and natural resources Robert Reed ’09, ’15, BS, animal science, MAgr

’17

The patch from Semler’s Animal Vet Science Club hat from the early 1980s.

“Stacy Gartin’s speech class impacted how I now communicate with veterinary clients and determine effective strategies for sales and discussions. Dr. Dailey helped me learn to relate to others more compassionately. As my advisor, Dr. Paul Lewis probably affected me the most. He would direct me to labs and other activities that he knew would benefit me personally and professionally.” Lesley Kessel Parisi ’03, Bragg ’17 BS, animal and veterinary science

’17

“One of the reasons I chose WVU is that I heard many good things about its natural resources programs. I’m excited to earn my degree and make a career of 18 working ’ er t et Y in the woods.” Eric Yetter, forest resources management, expected year of graduation: 2018

“My biggest interest was teaching. I enjoyed the students even more than my research.” Bob Jack ’57, ’59, BS, MS, agriculture education, professor emeritus, agricultural and resource economics

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“I believe the “As I look back on my time diversity and at WVU, I can say that I breadth of my feel prepared for life after education at graduation, thanks to WVU has led to my courses that were both successful career in interesting and useful! Extension education. Marketing, for example, was From the Livestock one of my favorite business and Dairy Judging teams, courses and because of it, I I learned most of my public found a new love for that speaking skills. I also garnered experience aspect of business. The from Dr. Inskeep’s sheep production class and Dr. management track in the Horvath’s swine project. Back in my time at WVU, Equine Studies program the students ran the swine barn under Horvath’s has prepared me and tutelage, and during my senior year, I was student strengthened my knowledge Lexie supervisor, so not only did I gain swine production of horses — for which I have experience, but leadership experience, as well.” a passion.” Jeff Semler ’82, BS, agriculture Lexie Bragg ’17, BS, agribusiness management and “I love the Davis College because it’s very diverse – rural development from forestry and natural resources to design – it has a lot to offer. … And Ron Dulaney is my absolute “Dr. Kang Mo Ku, Dr. James Thompson favorite professor – I love him to death! Also, Ms. and Dr. James Kotcon were all valuable Mullett. She’s very poised and professional, and she professors whom I was fortunate to have. has helped guide us.” Dr. Ku gave me my first real hands-on Cassidy Sharak ’17, BS, interior design experience in the field. Dr. Thompson, Plant and Soil Science Club advisor, was “During my first visit to really approachable and opened the door WVU, I felt completely at to new experiences for me. Dr. Kotcon, home. Even with a large my advisor, is one of those professors student population, you who truly cares.” still feel like a part of a Erika Ridgway ’17, BS, applied and tight-knit community. environmental microbiology E ric Most importantly, my program has provided “Cindy Beacham has me with an incredible been so influential on amount of hands-on me. Starting out as a work.” nursing student, I felt Hadley Farabee lost and confused. From ’17, BS, wildlife and the minute I switched fisheries resources to design studies, I was introduced to 17 ’ ee b a “I love the Davis Cindy and have loved r a H adley F College because every second of her everyone seems help. She is the most very close and makes me feel like I’m encouraging and part of a family.” Lindsey Baker, animal and influential professor nutritional sciences major, expected year and advisor I have of graduation: 2020 ever come across.” Anna Sansalone ’17, A nna S a BS, design studies nsalone

Photo: Brian Persinger

“I think the Davis College feels like home, and that’s the main reason I love it. Some of my favorite professors are Dr. Kotcon, Dr. Skousen and Dr. ’17 Debby Boone.” Carrie Tanner ’17, BSAgr, environmental protection

Photo: Brian Persinger

“I really appreciate Dr. Dailey and Dr. Krause – both have really helped me on my journey.” Megan Maxwell ’17, BS, animal and nutritional sciences

worked together, they saw themselves as a community of scholars who didn’t compete with each other; they wanted to see each other succeed. That’s rather rare.” Barton Baker ’66, ’69, MS, PhD, agronomy; professor emeritus of agronomy

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“One of my favorite memories from my time at WVU was my Adventure WV trip. During er n n a C a rrie T this trip, I learned how to shingle a roof (something I never imagined I would do), explored some of the state “Hands down, my “WVU provided and also made two of my very favorite professor is Megan Maxwell ’17 a hands-on best friends. Dr. Janet Tou – love educational It’s incredible her! Of course, another experience for how close you favorite is my advisor, me, giving me can become Dr. Melissa Olfert. I also have to thank opportunities to people who Dr. McFadden, Ida Holaskava – I have to work on real were complete love for her, as well, and love for pretty projects with strangers just a much all of the faculty in animal and real communities, week before!” nutritional sciences.” and I was able Michaela Remi Famodu ’17, PhD, to make a Schaefer ’16, BS, animal and food science difference. I think design studies it’s important to “I went out on a limb and decided to be able to interact “During my take the offer of a summer internship M orga n S with the rest of time at WVU, I in Dover, Delaware. The position was outhall ’17 the world while discovered a love an environmental educator, which you’re learning and for educational was a little bit out of my comfort 17 ’ i astranton directly apply what outreach through zone. I had a lot of support from my Kristen M you learn in your classes to an issue outside the my involvement advisor and professors. any h Design Comp classroom.” Morgan Southall ’17, BSLA, landscape with WVU Chapter I met some great people and Fis tle Lit o: ot Ph architecture of the Pediatric learned a lot. It was a Entertainment program, which aims to promote great experience.” “The welcome barbecue every fall semester was childhood wellness in Monongalia County by Britani Chambers ’16, the perfect venue to talk to other people in the teaching first-grade students about nutrition and ’17, BS, agribusiness College and get to know them. first-aid/safety.” Kristen Mastrantoni ’17, management and Great food, plus great company, BS, biochemistry environmental equals unforgettable moments!” economics, MAgr Rogelio Andrada II ’15, PhD, “My years as division forest resource science director were some “I love the Davis of the best years of my College because it “The thing I am most proud of life. The faculty in the is fun, hands-on is that I am the first person Plant and Soil Science and friendly.” in my family to go to college Division is a marvelous Connor James ’17, and get a degree.” Paul group of people. They MS, recreation, Nesselroad ’47, ’55, BS, parks and agriculture, MS, agricultural tourism C onno r J a m es economics; professor resources Nesselroad (right) with emeritus of agricultural his first roommate, Photo: Bria economics n Persinger Edmond Stewart.

100

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d ’47

Submitted

’17

Photo: Little Fish Design Company

John Harless ’19

Dalton Miller ’17

C onn or P rice ’17

An Alumni Association hat from the 1990s and a commemorative medallion recognizing the establishment of the first experiment stations in the country.

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Photo: Brian Persinger

Harless (center) with Amber Hines ’00, ’08, senior director of academic administration (left), and Renee Conneway ’10, ’13, recruitment specialist.

P.O. Box 6108 Morgantown, WV 26506-6108 WVUDavis @WVUDavis @WVUDavis davis.wvu.edu

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Copyright ÂŠ2017 by the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design. Brief excerpts of articles in this publication may be reprinted without a request for permission if DAVIS is acknowledged in print as the source. Contact the editors for permission to reprint entire articles. WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. The WVU Board of Governors is the governing body of WVU. WVU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Many WVU programs hold specialized accreditation.

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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES AND DESIGN

WVU Davis College: Celebrating 150 Years

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WVU Davis College: Celebrating 150 Years