About Us
Mission Statement
In the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences we train the next generation of professionals in the fields of plant breeding and genetics, agronomic and horticultural crop production, plant protection, soil and water systems management, agricultural technologies, environmental restoration, and agro-environmental stewardship. We conduct research to improve agricultural productivity, reduce negative impacts on the environment, and improve soil and water health. Through our Extension programs, we provide science-based information to our stakeholders to help them feed the world while protecting the environment.
Vision
- To be leaders in developing the knowledge and technologies needed to feed the world while being good stewards of the environment.
- To be leaders in developing knowledge and techniques for restoring damaged environments to productive ecosystems or productive agricultural lands.
- To provide outstanding training and learning experiences to develop the next generation of outstanding leaders, scientists, and agricultural producers.
- To provide science-based information to our stakeholders to help them feed the world while protecting the environment.
Facts & Figures
- SPES has 350 undergraduate students
- Majority of our students will do at least one internship during their time at VT
- 90 percent of our students have a job within one year of graduation (most sooner)
- SPES has 23 MS, 20 On-line MS and 77 PhD.
- 62 tenure-track/AP faculty; 15 off-campus faculty; 18 research faculty; 48 classified and university staff employees
- 11 labs/centers – Agronomy Farm; Geospatial Analysis; Homefield Farm; Kentland Farm; Master Gardeners; Nematology Assay Lab; Northern Piedmont Center; Plant Disease Clinic; Soil Testing Lab; Turfgrass Research Center; Urban Horticulture Center