Wetzstein appointed new head of Purdue HLA department
May 5, 2014
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Hazel Wetzstein |
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Hazel Wetzstein, professor of horticulture at the University of Georgia, has been appointed professor and head of Purdue University's Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture.
The appointment, effective Aug. 1, was announced Monday (May 5) by Jay Akridge, Glenn W. Sample Dean of the College of Agriculture.
Wetzstein succeeds Robert Joly, who is returning to the faculty after serving eight years as department head.
"Dr. Wetzstein is a respected scholar and thoughtful leader," Akridge said. "She made a deep and positive impression on the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and the college during her visits here, and I could not be more excited about the future of the department under her leadership."
Wetzstein received her bachelor's degree in biology from California State University in 1975 and doctorate in botany from the University of California-Davis in 1978. She first joined the biological sciences faculty at the University of Nevada before moving in 1980 to the University of Georgia, where she was promoted to professor in 1995. In addition to her work in the Department of Horticulture there, she also was on the faculty in the School of Forest Resources.
Wetzstein's research emphasis has been in plant growth and development, reproductive biology, conservation and tissue culture, and medicinal plants.
Akridge thanked Joly for his service as head of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture.
"I want to express my deepest appreciation to Dr. Bob Joly for his eight years of service as department head," Akridge said. "Bob has been a passionate and effective leader and advocate for the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture during his tenure."
The department has about 25 faculty members, enrolls approximately 170 undergraduate majors and 27 graduate students, and has a strong research portfolio. Faculty and staff through Purdue Extension serve the state's green, horticultural and specialty crops industries. The landscape architecture undergraduate program is ranked No.3 in the nation by Design Intelligence magazine.
Writer: Keith Robinson, 765-494-2722, robins89@purdue.edu
Source: Jay Akridge, 765-494-8391, akridge@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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