About Us

About the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences

With Ut Prosim as our guiding principle, the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) is dedicated to advancing agriculture and environmental stewardship for a sustainable future. Through innovative research, immersive education, and impactful Extension programs, we prepare students to address global challenges in food production, resource management, and environmental restoration.

SPES is a leader in fields such as plant breeding and genetics, soil and water systems management, crop production, and agricultural technologies. Our programs emphasize hands-on learning, equipping students with the skills to protect ecosystems, improve soil and water health, and develop sustainable agricultural practices. With a strong focus on addressing critical issues, SPES strives to make a lasting positive impact on communities across Virginia and around the globe.

Our facilities and resources, including Kentland Farm, the Soil Testing Lab, and the Urban Horticulture Center, provide students and researchers with exceptional opportunities for discovery and application. SPES is proud to foster the next generation of agricultural and environmental leaders, empowering them to feed the world while safeguarding its future.

Our Mission

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.

Our Vision

We strive to lead in developing the knowledge and technologies necessary to feed the world while upholding our commitment to environmental stewardship. Our efforts extend to pioneering techniques for restoring damaged environments, transforming them into thriving ecosystems or productive agricultural lands. Through outstanding training and learning experiences, we aim to cultivate the next generation of exceptional leaders, scientists, and agricultural producers.

Facts & Figures

350 undergraduate students
23 MS, 20 On-line MS, and 77 PhD students
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

"I can sincerely say that I use my degree every single day. My knowledge of plants, estimating, sales, and design are all huge parts of my day-to-day work life. The knowledge and experience I gained at Virginia Tech has been invaluable.”

Christa Bush
Environmental Horticulture Alum

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