Turf Schools Are Adjusting to Changing Times to Attract Students


University turfgrass programs around the U.S. have seen a decline in students over the last decade, and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America's magazine took a look behind the numbers.

In an article for Golf Course Management, Howard Richman, associate editor, spoke with several U.S. turfgrass schools to learn about the state of their programs and determine whether their classrooms are growing or shrinking - and, just as importantly, why. A survey of turfgrass schools concluded that 70 percent have lower enrollments in their turf programs compared to 10 years ago.

However, there are some bright spots, such as at Ohio State University and Mississippi State University, which have seen recent up-ticks. Meanwhile SUNY-Cobleskill and New Mexico State University have each doubled their class sizes in recent years. Many graduate programs are also seeing strong numbers.

The factors affecting turf schools aren't isolated to any one region and are seen throughout the country. For example, Indiana's Purdue University's program has about 43 students, according to Cale A. Bigelow, Ph.D. Twelve years ago, that number was 85. Oregon State University's enrollment is down to approximately 15 students from a peak of 35, says assistant professor Alec Kowalewski.

Two-year schools are also feeling the crunch. That includes Florida Gateway College, previously known as Lake City Community College. It announced earlier this year that it will no longer offer an associate's degree in golf course operations.

"We used to have a one-year waiting list. We were known nationally and internationally," says John Piersol, executive director of industrial and agricultural programs at Florida Gateway College. "But that doesn't mean it lasts forever."

Opportunities still exist for turf program graduates. And the GCM survey showed that 92 percent of turf program students were interested in a golf course management career. "The golf industry is not doing as well as it used to, but there is a high demand for entry-level positions," says Doug Linde, Ph.D., turf professor at Delaware Valley (Pa.) College.

Schools are doing almost all they can to attract turfgrass students and find ways for them to be ingrained in the profession. Kansas State University turfgrass science professor Jack Fry, Ph.D., recalls the days when his program had as many as 150 students. Today, that number totals in the 50 range, 30 of whom are geared toward golf course management. The dip in numbers is on his and others' radar at the school.

Fry says he doesn't exactly feel pressured or that his job is on the line, but he senses a concern from those above him regarding enrollment in turf and other horticulture-related programs. "Those in the dean's office are looking at us and saying, 'What's going on?' They are asking what we can do to get more students. Securing more undergraduates is going to be a priority. I can sense it," Fry says.

Perhaps the best way to attract more young people into the industry is the old-fashioned way. "Golf courses used to have a lot of kids who were in high school working, and that would serve as a feeder system," says Alex Ellram, Ph.D., professor at SUNY-Cobleskill. "Those kids were better equipped when they came to college. We just don't see enough of them anymore."

Nevertheless, North Carolina State University's Rich Linton, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, believes the turfgrass program at his school is on good footing. He notes that 800 people attended the school's field day late this summer and that 89 percent of their graduates, in all fields, find jobs. Linton sees a bright future specifically for the turfgrass program.

"The green industry as a whole has suffered since 2008, but I think things are turning around," Linton says. "We are in a strong growing mode."

The above report is courtesy of the GCSAA. For more information, visit www.gcsaa.org.