S3 E54 The Rise and Fall of University Turfgrass Programs cover art

S3 E54 The Rise and Fall of University Turfgrass Programs

S3 E54 The Rise and Fall of University Turfgrass Programs

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

In this video, I explore the history and current state of university turfgrass programs—from their rise during the post-war boom in golf, parks, and sports fields to their decline in recent decades. I explain how turfgrass faculty positions are created and filled, what factors lead to the loss of those positions, and why many programs are now disappearing altogether. I connect the dots between enrollment trends, industry funding, and the shifting priorities of universities that have left turfgrass science struggling to survive. Most importantly, I discuss what the turfgrass community—educators, managers, and industry leaders—can do to reverse the trend and rebuild the academic foundation that once supported innovation in turf management. This episode blends history, data, and reflection to uncover how we got here and what it will take to bring turfgrass education back.

No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.