03/20/1995

Horticulture Establishing a Doctoral Program

AUBURN, Ala. - The Auburn University Department of Horticulture recently received approval from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) to establish a doctoral program in horticulture.

According to Horticulture's Department Head Bill Dozier, the department has been formulating a proposal for a doctoral program for about four years. The department made a formal proposal to the ACHE last year and received approval March 10 when the commission voted unanimously to grant permission for the program.

"This means a step forward," said Dozier. "It will enhance our basic research and allow us to train students to go out and work in industry and in academia. It will be an enhancement to Alabama's economy as well, because the research and development that come from this program will benefit our state's horticulture industries."

Charles Gilliam, the professor of horticulture who headed the proposal effort, noted that, along with economic enhancement for the state, the new program will benefit the department. "This allows us to do a much better job of recruiting and retaining the quality of faculty we need to move our programs forward," he said.

Though implementation dates have not been officially set, Dozier said several students are prepared to immediately start doctoral work in the department.

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News from:

Office of Ag Communications & Marketing

Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 Comer Hall, Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)

Contact Jamie Creamer, 334-844-2783 or jcreamer@auburn.edu
Contact Katie Jackson, 334-844-5886 or smithcl@auburn.edu

March 20, 1995