Wendell Hutchens Ph.D. ’22 was named the recipient of the 2023 Award of Excellence from the Musser International Turfgrass Foundation.
The award is given to outstanding Ph.D. candidates who, in the final phase of their graduate studies, demonstrated overall excellence throughout their doctoral program in turfgrass research.
“It is an unbelievable honor to receive the Musser Award of Excellence,” said Hutchens. “I could not have accomplished such a feat without my foundational Christian faith, unwavering support from my wife, Anica, my family and friends, and the exceptional leadership of my mentors.”
Hutchens earned his Ph.D. in Turfgrass Pathology at Virginia Tech under Assistant Professor David McCall. His dissertation focused on the biology, epidemiology, and management of spring dead spot of bermudagrass.
Hutchens received his B.S. in Turfgrass Science from North Carolina State University and went on to complete his M.S. in Turfgrass Pathology from NCSU. His research there focused on the influence of post-application irrigation and soil surfactant applications on fungicide movement and efficacy against root diseases.
Hutchens published seven research papers for his M.S. and Ph.D. projects and has seven more awaiting publication on topics related to turfgrass pathology, turfgrass physiology, and native grass implementation in the transition zone of the United States. He has given more than 50 presentations on his research nationally and internationally.
In August 2022, Hutchens became an assistant professor of turfgrass science at the University of Arkansas, where he divides his time between research, extension, and teaching.
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a faculty member at the University of Arkansas, and I hope to expand the research, extension, and teaching programs during my tenure,” said Hutchens. “My mentors have been incredible to work with and learn from. Their mentorship has taught me to be a better scientist, professional, and, most importantly, person.”
He hopes to focus his career on providing applied, cutting-edge research results in turfgrass pathology, precision turfgrass management, and turfgrass agronomy as well as training the next generation of turfgrass scientists.
Musser International Turfgrass Foundation President Frank Dobie said, “The standards are very rigorous for the doctoral candidates who seek the award, so all of the applicants are of the highest caliber. We strive to select the one candidate that we feel is the best of the best and, this year, that was Dr. Hutchens.”
The criteria for selecting award recipients include graduate work, academic record, dissertation, publications, leadership, and extracurricular activities.