The Washington Turfgrass Seed Commission will fund an endowed professor position in turfgrass management at Washington State University. The gift of $300,000 is intended to establish the professorship and will let WSU hire someone to focus on research in the turfgrass industry.
Rich Koenig, department chair of crop and soil sciences, said the endowment will provide research and operating support for a faculty position, once it is fully funded. The professor will teach and conduct research in turfgrass seed production and turf management practices.
Board members of the Washington Turfgrass Seed Commission agreed to fund the endowment in large part to invest in the future of their industry and to build stronger ties with Washington State University.
“Funding of this professorship ensures the future hire will continue to support the turfgrass seed and management industries in the state of Washington,” said Koenig. “Distinguished endowments like this one allow WSU to advertise and attract world-class teachers and researchers to faculty positions.”