KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Turfgrass Team has won a national award for its work to expand the turfgrass industry, according to a release from the UT Institute of Agriculture.
It said the team's six faculty members have been recognized with the National Excellence Extension Team Award, which recognizes the excellence of an extension team in performing the work of extension research, technical assistance and outreach education, UT said.
"The UT Turfgrass Team teaches, conducts research and provides Extension programs to serve the expansive turfgrass industry, which contributes more than $5.8 billion annually to Tennessee’s economy," UT said.
UT said the team addresses the needs of the state's golf courses, sports fields, home lawns and parks. The team developed an industry-recognized certified lawn care professional program, an online weed identification app and the TN Turf Tuesday podcast and videos.
The six-person team with all members belonging to the Department of Plant Sciences includes:
- Jim Brosnan, professor and director of the UT Weed Diagnostics Center, which he helped launch. He coordinates multiple Extension events annually.
- Rebecca Bowling, Extension turfgrass and urban water specialist
- Anna Duncan, Extension specialist in charge of the UT Certified Lawn Care Professional program
- Brandon Horvath, professor whose work focuses on disease management
- John Sorochan, distinguished professor whose research focuses on performance for sports fields and golf courses. He was chosen by soccer’s global governing body, FIFA, to lead the UT-Michigan State University research program to produce optimum pitches for the 16-stadiums to be used for the 2026 FIFA World Cup 26™.
- Tom Samples, retired (2022) Extension turfgrass specialist who worked 35 years with UT Extension and helped to build the program. Bowling was hired to take over his position.
"Even as the turfgrass industry grows, it faces labor shortages," UT said. "The team helps train the next generation of industry professionals. The turfgrass science and management concentration in the Herbert College of Agriculture has a high enrollment compared to others nationally and a high rate of job placement for undergraduates."
