PULLMAN — With an eye on the importance of research to its future, the Washington Turfgrass Seed Commission will fund the endowed professor position in turfgrass management at WSU.
WSU received a gift of nearly $300,000 from the commission to establish the turfgrass professorship. The gift gives WSU the opportunity to hire someone to focus on research in the turfgrass industry.
“Once fully funded the endowment will provide research and operating support for a faculty position in turfgrass management in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at WSU,” said Rich Koenig, department chair of crop and soil sciences. “The endowed professor will teach and conduct research in turfgrass seed production and turf management practices.”
Board members of the Washington Turfgrass Seed Commission agreed to fund the endowment in large part to invest in the future of their industry and to build stronger ties with WSU.
“Funding of this professorship ensures the future hire will continue to support the turfgrass seed and management industries in the state of Washington,” Koenig said. “Distinguished endowments like this one allow WSU to advertise and attract world-class teachers and researchers to faculty positions.”
