Soil & Crop Science Legends
“Legend” status recognizes retired faculty who have contributed to the success and reputation of the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, previously Department of Agronomy. “Legend” status was established in 2009 as a part of the Department’s Centennial Celebration. Ten persons were named “Legends” in 2009 during our Centennial year. Since 2009 four other individuals have been named “Legends”.
Alvin Kezer
Education
B.S. University of Nebraska – 1904
M.S. University of Nebraska – 1906
Years at CSU – 1909 to 1946
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
Charter Member, American Society of Agronomy – 1907
Biography
When the Department of Agronomy at the Colorado Agricultural College was established in 1909 as a separate administrative unit, Alvin Kezer was appointed as its first Department Head. He earned his Bachelor’s (1904) and Master’s (1906) degrees at the University of Nebraska and served as Professor of Soils there before moving to Fort Collins. He was a Charter Member of the American Society of Agronomy in 1907 and was highly regarded professionally among his peers. At Nebraska his research interests were yellow berry disease in hard winter wheat, copper sulfate for pond scum, and inoculation of soils with alfalfa bacteria. In Colorado, he investigated a wide range of problems in soils and crops, including a genetic study on wheat and barley crosses just 18 years after Gregor Mendel had published his Mendellian Laws of Inheritance.
During World War I Mr. Kezer legally changed his name from Keyser to Kezer allegedly because the pronunciation of Keyser was too similar to the German Kaiser! Mr. Kezer served as department Head for 47 years, a remarkable record. He was justifiably proud of his contributions in building the framework for the successful Department that is ours today.
David W. “Scotty” Robertson
Education
B.S. University of Manitoba, Canada – 1918
M.S. University of Minnesota – 1920
Ph.D. University of Minnesota – 1928
Years at CSU -1920-1969
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
Fellow, American Association Advancement Science, 1920
First Ph.D. Agronomy Faculty Member, CSU, 1928
Fellow, American Society Agronomy, 1941
Head, Department Agronomy, CSU 1946 to 1959
President, American Society Agronomy, 1952 to 1953
Outstanding Achievement Award, University of Minnesota, 1957
Faculty Award of Merit, Gamma Sigma Delta, Honor Society for Agriculture, 1969
Biography
David “Scotty” Robertson served the people of Colorado, the nation, and the world in many ways. He was Head of the Department for 13 years. He was the first scientist in the Department to hold a Ph.D., the first person in Colorado to be elected a Fellow in the American Society of Agronomy, and the first Coloradoan to serve as President of that august Society. He conducted early research on a broad range of topics including alfalfa, sudangrass, sorghums, soybeans, pasture and forage crops, wheat, barley, rye, corn, sugar beets, field beans, among others. Collaboratively with colleagues he studied the milling, baking, and chemical properties of wheat grown in Colorado, the diseases of alfalfa, the nitrogen requirements of sugar beets, and the basic principles for maintaining soil fertility on irrigated lands. Also, long-term studies on the longevity of crop seeds were conducted.
The main thrust of Dr. Robertson’s research efforts was barley genetics. He established the seven linkage groups for the seven haploid chromosomes in barley, and for the following forty years published over 100 papers. He also produced five new barley varieties for the farmers of Colorado. He was selected and elected to maintain the world’s barley genetic stocks, and to serve as overall coordinator for genetic linkage studies in barley. Dr. Robertson was selected and pressed into service as the Editor of a newly-found publication, The Barley Genetics Newsletter. This compilation of barley research and news was published yearly and circulated to more than 100 libraries in 29 countries. This activity gave much recognition to Colorado State University and the Department of Agronomy.
Scotty Robertson, a native of Scotland, was a most colorful individual. Many stories were repeated concerning his activities. As Department Head, and even after that time period, he continued his extensive research program. With somewhat limited financial resources, he suggested, yes urged, fellow faculty and graduate students to join him in the field for planting and harvesting activities. It is reported that he had a good response to his invitations. Many non-barley laboratory scientists reportedly gained valuable field experience!
Warren "Red" Leonard
Education
B.S. Colorado Agriculture College – 1926
M.S. University of Nebraska – 1930
Ph.D. University of Minnesota – 1940
Years at CSU – 1926 to 1966
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
Harris T. Guard Distinguished Service Award, CSU, 1966
Fellow, American Society of Agronomy, 1957
Legion of Merit, U.S. Army, 1947
Commendation for Meritorious Civilian Service, U.S. Army, 1949
Honorary Member, Japanese Society of Breeding, 1963
Biography
Warren Leonard, known as “Red” by most everyone, was a long-time champion crops and genetics teacher in the Department. He graduated from the Colorado Agricultural College with a B.S. degree in 1926 and began his career as Assistant Extension Agronomist and then Assistant Editor of Publications. In 1929, he joined the Department of Agronomy as Assistant Professor. He taught several courses in crop production and genetics including the introductory course in genetics. His research resulted in papers on barley genetics, corn, sorghum, sunflowers, flax, buckwheat, applied statistics, and world food problems. Dr. Leonard was recognized professionally in numerous ways, but especially for his dedication to student teaching and advising. Many returning alumni have declared that Dr. Red Leonard was the person who motivated them to continue their careers in agronomy, crops and plant breeding.
Dr. Leonard possessed a unique talent in writing and speaking. Many students throughout the world received instruction from three major textbooks authored and co-authored by him, “Principles of Field Production,” “Cereal Crops,” and “Field Plot Techniques.”
During World War II, Dr. Leonard served as Chief, Agriculture Division, Natural Resources Section, General Headquarters, Japan, on General Douglas MacArthur’s staff. For this work he was presented with several prestigious awards. He was closely associated with Japanese land reform. Dr. Leonard was especially proud of his role in reestablishing support for basic work in genetics and plant breeding in postwar Japan.
Dr. Leonard died in 1966 at age 60 after an illustrious 40-year career. Each year since 1979 he is remembered when the Warren “Red” Leonard Award is presented to the “Outstanding Senior” in the Department in conjunction with the American Society of Agronomy.
Robert S. Whitney
Education
B.S. Colorado Agricultural College – 1934
M.S. Cornell University – 1939
Ph.D. Cornell University – 1951
Years at CSU – 1934 to 1975
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
Fellow, American Association Advancement Science, 1951
Fellow, American Society Agronomy, 1961
President, American Society Agronomy , 1966
Oliver Pennock Outstanding Teaching Award, CSU, 1957
Honor Alumnus Award, College Agricultural Sciences, 1975
Fellow, Soil Science Society of America, 1976
Biography
Robert Whitney was “Mr. Colorado State” all the way, born in Fort Collins and lived his entire life except for military duty and graduate student leaves. Upon completion of his B.S. degree from the Colorado Agricultural College in 1934, Bob joined the Department of Agronomy faculty. It was the beginning of a long and effective career in teaching, research, extension, administration, and service. He pioneered research on the effect of carbon dioxide partial pressure on soil pH, and the reclamation of eroded soils and subsoils exposed by land leveling. He was an international authority on the management of irrigated soils. His early research on the use and management of animal wastes for increased crop production was reemphasized during the times of increased concern for pollution control. He published over 75 technical and general papers.
Whitney was granted leaves of absence to pursue graduate studies at Cornell University, earning an M.S. in 1939 and a Ph.D. in 1951. His major studies were Soil Fertility and Plant Physiology. From 1942 to 1946 he served in the U.S. Air Force as a Weather Officer. Bob taught Introductory Soils for 22 years, and also Soil Chemistry and Soil Physics. In 1959 he was named Head of the CSU Agronomy Department. His effective dedication to his responsibilities over the years is reflected in the following humorous comment. Bob was a single man. It was said that the faculty was his wife and the students were his children! Bob Whitney enjoyed teaching and advising and was sensitive to the needs and problems of his students. He was presented with many honors and awards over the years. Bob told his colleagues that his greatest joy and achievement came from teaching and associating with some 5300 students over the years.
William G. Stewart
Education
B.S. Agronomy, Colorado of Agricultural College – 1943
Years at CSU – 1939 to 1976
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
Manager, Colorado Certified Seed Program, 1951
Coordinator, Extension Agronomy, 1959 to 1976
A. Anderson Distinguished Career Award, 1973
Biography
William Stewart was a Colorado boy born in the San Luis Valley in 1914. He graduated from high school in Pueblo and from the Colorado Agricultural College in 1943. He first served as a County Extension in Washington and Montrose Counties. He emphasized mountain meadow fertility and crops testing. He also was successfully involved with fairs and seed shows.
In 1951 Bill moved to Fort Collins as Assistant State Extension Agronomist and Manager of the Certified Seed Program. He became Manager of the Colorado Pure Seed Show, and was heavily involved with the Colorado State Fair. In 1959, Stewart became Extension
Agronomy Coordinator. He initiated projects with companies and organizations involved with Colorado agriculture including the Tennessee Valley Authority on soil fertility, the Great Western Sugar Company, The Colorado Mill and Elevator Company, the Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee, among others.
He became heavily involved with the milling and baking quality of wheat. He obtained data on these qualities for Colorado wheats. This led to determination for the need of a more focused wheat research program at CSU. The need was met when the Department hired Dr. Byrd Curtis from Oklahoma State as the wheat research leader in 1963. This humble beginning led to the development of the current extensive wheat research program today some 46 years later.
Bill Stewart, working cooperatively with others, also initiated an extensive program to determine the feasibility of producing soft white wheat in Colorado to be used in making pastries, cookies, and crackers. It was determined that these wheats could be irrigated and produce good yields of high-quality wheat in the San Luis Valley and elsewhere.
Mr. Stewart and others developed successful programs for the production, storage, and shipment of wheat to Denver for milling and baking. It became feasible for bakeries to expand their production. This is just one of many programs that Bill Stewart initiated and developed during his tenure. He was “Mr. Enthusiasm” for sure! Bill retired in 1976 and died in 1999 at age 85.
Robert E. Danielson
Education
B.S. Colorado A & M University – 1948
M.S. Cornell University – 1950
Ph.D. – University of Illinois – 1955
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
Shepardson Award for Excellence in Teaching, CSU College of Agricultural Sciences, 1977
Outstanding Faculty Award, Dept. of Agronomy, 1978
Chairman, Soil Physics Division, Soil Science Society of America, 1979
Fellow, American Society of Agronomy, 1980
Fellow, Soil Science Society of America, 1980
President, CSU Chapter, Gamma Sigma Delta, Honor Society for Agriculture, 1983-1984
Oliver P. Pennock Distinguished Service Award, CSU, 1984
President, Western Society of Soil Science, 1984
Faculty Certificate of merit, Gamma Sigma Delta, Colorado Chapter, 1985
Biography
Bob Danielson was raised on a farm near Wiggins, Colorado. He enrolled at Colorado A & M College in the Department of Agronomy and graduated with a B.S. in 1948. He was attracted to Cornell University for graduate studies where he completed an M.S. in 1950. He then followed his Major Professor from Cornell to the University of Illinois for a Ph.D. in Soil Physics. Not many scientists can list the same Major Professor for two different graduate degrees at two different universities! When Bob completed his Ph.D. in 1955, he returned to Colorado State University as Assistant Professor of Agronomy. In those early days at CSU, he taught Introductory Soils, Soil Fertility, and Soil Microbiology with Laboratory. In later years he taught Soils Physics with Laboratory, and Irrigation Science.
Bob’s research interests centered around the physical condition of the soil in relation to plant growth and crop production with soil water of most significance among these physical properties. He developed expertise in irrigation and water requirements of crops involving field studies, greenhouse investigations, and controlled environments in the laboratory and with growth chambers. One area of interest was the effect of aeration on plant growth. He showed that there were optimal levels of aeration, above which additional aeration decreased crop growth causing excessive root and microbial respiration, and in turn consuming substrate that decreased the supply available for plant growth. Bob’s finding of luxury respiration and its negative effects on crop growth and soil organic matter have been used to help explain the beneficial effects of no-till cropping systems and other practical phenomena.
Dr. Danielson served as Major Professor for 14 Ph.D. and 29 M.S. students, the highest number of M.S. students among all Agronomy Faculty. He also served on the graduate committees of 132 Ph.D. and M.S. candidates, mostly from departments other than Agronomy. This is a remarkably large number. With all the evidence of Dr. Danielson’s obvious successes and contributions, he once wrote to a colleague, “It’s not easy to come up with anything that I have been unique in. I have enjoyed teaching and advising, and my most pleasing experiences have been when students expressed satisfaction with my relation to them.” Bob Danielson was a modest giant!
Wilard L. Lindsay
Education
B.S. Utah State University – 1952
M.S. Utah State University – 1953
Ph.D. Cornell University – 1956
Years at CSU – 1960-1995
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
Fellow, American Society of Agronomy (ASA), 1969
Centennial Professor, CSU, 1970
Andrew Clark Faculty Award, Excellency and Creativity in Research, CSU, 1970
Fellow, Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), 1976
Sigma Xi Honor Scientist, CSU, 1980
Soil Science Award SSSA, 1980
Shepardson Faculty Teaching Award in Agriculture, CSU, 1983
National USDA Superior Service Award, 1987
Oliver Pennock Award, CSU, 1987
University Distinguished Professor, CSU, 1989
Soil Science Distinguished Service Award, Soil Science Society of America, 2002
Biography
Upon completion of his Ph.D. in 1956, Dr. Lindsay accepted a position as Soil Chemist with the Tennessee Valley Authority Fertilizer Development Authority at Muscle Shoals, Alabama. In 1960, he began his long career at Colorado State University. He first taught soil fertility and plant nutrition and worked on identifying micronutrient deficiencies in Colorado soils.
The major thrust of Dr. Lindsay’s professional career was to provide stimulating instruction to graduate students, and to participate with them in scholarly research. He served as Major Professor for 30 Ph.D. graduates, the largest number in Agronomy Department history, and 11 M.S. graduates. Many of his graduates now hold important teaching and research positions at universities and research institutions throughout the world. In addition, he attracted over 20 visiting professors, post doctoral fellows, and colleagues who came to CSU specifically to take his graduate course and/or to participate with him in joint research.
Dr. Lindsay made classic contributions in many areas of soil chemistry and plant nutrition. Key contributions were made in identifying phosphate minerals and their solubility relationship in soils. He and his graduate students pioneered in the development of stability diagrams for predicting the stability relationships of metal chelates in soils and aqueous environments. Dr. Lindsay and his associates developed the DTPA micronutrient soil test which became a world standard. He also introduced the use of pe&pH as a useful redox parameter for understanding redox relationships in soils and natural environments.
A significant scientific contribution was Dr. Lindsay’s textbook Chemical Equilibria in Soil published in 1979. The book was the result of more than 20 years of integrated graduate teaching and research. It has been used in many universities and research laboratories around the world. It offered a new approach for understanding soil chemistry and for developing research hypotheses that can be tested in the laboratory and field. Dr. Lindsay has presented over 240 lectures and paper presentations in more than 20 countries on six continents. His unique approach for examining the equilibrium relationships in soils has been widely disseminated through the classroom, publications, special lectures, visits, and students.
In 1989, Dr. Lindsay was promoted to the rank of University Distinguished Professor, the highest recognition bestowed on any CSU faculty.
Takumi Tsuchiya
Education
B.S. Agric Gifu Agricultural College, Japan – 1943
B.S. Agric Kyote (Imperial) University, Japan – 1947
Doctor Agrie-Kyoto (Imperial) University – 1960
Years at CSU – 1969 to 1992
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
Fellow, American Society Agronomy, 1982
Fellow, Crop Science Society America, 1985
Crop Science Research Award, Crop Science Society America, 1986
Oliver Pennock Distinguished Service Award, CSU, 1986
Honorary Foreign Membership, Genetics Society Japan, 1986
Foreign Scientific Fellow, Japan Society for Promotion of Science, 1986
Faculty Achievement Award, Burlington Northern Found, CSU, 1987
Sigma Xi Honor Scientist Award, CSU, 1987
President, Sigma Xi, CSU Chapter, 1991
Dekalb Genetics Distinguished Career Award, Crop Science Society of America, 1991
University Distinguished Professor, CSU, 1991
Biography
Dr. Takumi Tsuchiya is recognized for his outstanding contributions to plant genetics and cytogenetics through basic scientific research, graduate education, and professional service. His formal education was gained in Japan. He came to CSU in 1968 to conduct research on barley genetics and cytogenetics and to manage the World Genetics Stock Center, a position previously held by Dr. David “Scotty” Robertson. Dr. Tsuchiya established an international reputation working with barley, triticale, sugar beet, and other plant species. His career spanned a 43-year period.
Dr. Tsuchiya’s most significant accomplishment was his research in barley genetics and cytogenetics. He established the first complete set of primary trisomics and other trisomics and anouploido, and their uses in genetic/linkage analyses for the development of linkage maps. These genetic stocks were maintained yearly by Dr. Tsuchiya for research and education. He shared them with scientists throughout the world. In his later years, he was engaged in chromosome engineering research in triticale, sugar beet, Metasequoia tree species and others. Also he investigated genetic changes during long-term storage of seed germplasm.
Dr. Tsuchiya was a co-founder of the Barley Genetics Newlsletter; he played a key role in collecting research contributions, editing, publishing, and distributing the Newsletter throughout the world for many years. He knew every barley scientist in the world!
Tak contributed significantly to the education of primarily graduate students. His unique way of teaching his courses, by use of original scientific papers, and by his dedication to educating and training students, resulted in highly active and productive Ph.D. and M.S. students.
In 1991, Dr. Tsuchiya was promoted to the rank of University Distinguished Professor, the highest recognition bestowed on any CSU faculty.
Wayne F. Keim
Education
B.S. University of Nebraska – 1947
M.S. Cornell University – 1949
Ph.D. Cornell University – 1952
Years at CSU – 1975 to 1992
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1960
Best Teacher Award, Purdue University, 1965 & 1968
Fellow American Society Agronomy, 1968
Harbison-Danforth Teaching Award, Purdue University, 1970
Agronomic Education Award, American Society of Agronomy, 1971
President, Crop Science Society of America, 1984
Fellow, Crop Science Society America, 1985
Fellow, National Assoc. of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture, 1987
Agronomic Service Award, American Society of Agronomy, 1991
Biography
Dr. Wayne F. Keim is truly an agronomic legend. In his 45 year career of teaching, research and administration at Cornell, Iowa State, Purdue, and Colorado State universities he made superior contributions as a teacher, researcher, and administrator.
Throughout his career Wayne has been a champion of students. He personally motivated many talented young people to choose careers in
scientific agriculture. He is particularly proud of the large number of students who, after taking his genetics course at Purdue, chose genetics as a career. He remains in close contact with many of them and delights in telling of their career successes. Even in retirement his interest in the training and development of young men and women has not waned. You can often find him in our Department coffee room visiting with students and asking those thought provoking questions about the student’s future plans.
He certainly earned “legend” status by his teaching achievements alone, but there is much more to his story. In 1975 he was named Head of the CSU Department of Agronomy where he began retooling the Department so it could move into an elite leadership position in soil and plant science teaching and research. Dr. Keim enjoyed the challenges of serving the Department at CSU during the decade when undergraduate and graduate enrollments and faculty member numbers reached all-time highs. He was instrumental in developing a huge international presence for the Department. It was also the days of “blue sky” salaries, where he always hoped things would turn out okay by the end of the fiscal year! Sometimes it was close!
Using his great people skills, Wayne was able to make significant additions to the Agronomy faculty. To this day he remains very proud of the people “he hired” at CSU. Wayne brought esprit de corps to the Department by encouraging both old and new faculty members to excel in their professions and to become active in their professional scientific societies. Things as simple as encouraging attendance at professional meetings, even if the person was not giving a paper that year, brought about a new attitude. He also saw to it that modern copying equipment was purchased, which although was a simple thing, brought about an attitude of “we are on the move”. The Department also purchased its first computer during his tenure as Head.
Dr. Wayne Keim is truly a legend in so many ways. Thank you Wayne for the boost you gave to the agronomic profession locally, regionally, and nationally.
Jack R. Fenwick
Education
B.S. Purdue University – 1960
M.S. Purdue University – 1976
Ph.D. Purdue University – 1976
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
“Pat on the Back”, Excellence in Teaching, Associated Students, CSU, 1980
Outstanding Teaching Award, Agronomy Club, 1981, 1982, 1993, 1994 and 2004
Alumni Honor Faculty award, College of Agriculture, 1986
Jack Cermak Advising Award, College of Agricultural Sciences , 1986
Undergraduate Outstanding Advising Award, Alpha Zeta, 1987
Academic Advising Award, 1987
Charles A. Shepardson Faculty Teaching Award, College of Agricultural Sciences, 1991
Outstanding Faculty member, Farmhouse Fraternity, 1992
Outstanding Teaching, Leadership and Service Award, Mortar Board, 1995
Oliver Pennock Distinguished Service Award, CSU, 2000
Teacher Fellow Award, NACTA, 2000
Meritorious Faculty Award, College of Agricultural Sciences and Colorado Farm Bureau, 2001
Crop Science Teaching Award, Crop Science Society of America, 2003
Agronomic Resident Education Award, American Society of Agronomy, 2003
Greek Life Faculty Educator Award, CSU, 2005
Fellow, American Society of Agronomy, 2006
Biography
Jack Fenwick grew up on a farm in northwestern Indiana where production of corn, soybeans and livestock occupied his early life. His 4-H projects in coordination with his Vocational Agriculture teacher influenced him to enroll in the School of Agriculture at Purdue University. He earned a B.S. degree in 1960 and then taught Vocational Agriculture and Biology at Remington, Indiana High School for three years. He returned to Purdue where he earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Agronomy.
Dr. Wayne Keim successfully recruited Jack to join the faculty of Agronomy at CSU as Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Resident Instruction program in 1976, where he also had the role of Administrative Assistant to the Department Head. For 33 years Dr. Fenwick provided effective teaching leadership in the Department and College. He started “practicing” retirement in a transitional appointment on 1 July 2009.
Dr. Fenwick taught the General Crops course for more than three decades and was co-creator of two innovative, highly successful, team-taught senior level classes in Crop and Soil Management Systems. Jack has served as the Department’s key undergraduate student advisor during his tenure at CSU. This role included being the Department’s lead recruiter, which he has done at exceptional level; when enrollment in Agronomy programs across the nation declined to historic lows, the Soil and Crop Sciences program has now grown back to a position of strength. In addition, he has been the “sparkplug” for a super successful Agronomy Club. As if this wasn’t enough to keep him busy, Jack effectively represented the Department on the College Curriculum Committee for over 25 years.
Dr. Jack Fenwick is truly a student’s friend. Numbers can never reflect Jack’s effectiveness as an advisor; he has truly shaped many students’ lives with his solid advice and caring manner. When any of our faculty members meet Department alums, the first question is, “How is Dr. Fenwick doing?” and followed by the statement “He really made a difference for me during my time at CSU”.
Dr. Jack Fenwick has touched the lives of more students in the modern history of the Department than any other faculty member; he is the epitome of the legend status.
James S. Quick
Education
B.S. Agronomy, North Dakota State University (NDSU) – 1962
M.S. Plant Breeding and Genetics, Purdue University – 1965
Ph.D. Plant Breeding and Genetics, Purdue University – 1966
Years at CSU – 1981-2003
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
Durum Industry Achievement Award, U.S. Durum Growers Association, 1976
Member, US-USSR Spring-Wheat Visit Team, 1976
Sabbatical Leave, Plant Breeding Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 1977-1978
Fellow, American Society of Agronomy, 1985
Fellow, Crop Science Society of America, 1986
Shepardson Instruction Development Grant Award, CSU, 1985
Distinguished Toastmaster Award, Toastmasters International
Australian Wheat Research Council Grant Award, 1987
Faculty Certificate of Merit, Gamma Sigma Delta Award, 1987
Honor Society of Agriculture, CSU, 1989
USDA NCISE-IARC Award for Study at CIMMYT, Mexico, 1995
Agronomic Achievement Award, crops, American Society of Agronomy, 1996
Agronomic Research Award, American Society of Agronomy, 2002
Biography
Jim Quick has distinguished himself in the field of plant breeding and genetics for the past 40 years. He grew up on a North Dakota farm that produced crops and livestock. His interest in plant breeding began with 4-H crops projects and continued through his undergraduate experience with the wheat genetics project at NDSU and the USDA. Upon completion of his Ph.D., he served in India with the Rockefeller Foundation in sorghum research for three years and then returned to NDSU as Associate Professor. He made significant research contributions in durum wheat breeding and methodology during his 12-year tenure there.
In 1981 Jim Quick joined Colorado State University as a Professor and Leader of the Wheat Investigations project. In the next 23 years he made significant contributions in several areas: hard red winter wheat breeding and improved methodology, and herbicide tolerance. Jim and his associates released more than 30 new wheat cultivars and several improved germplasm lines. He is especially proud to have served as major professor for 23 Ph.D. and M.S. candidates at NDSU and CSU. He also served the Crop Science Society of America including a term of Associate Editor of Crop Science. He was the Editor of the Annual Wheat Newsletter from 1983 to 1994. Jim also had considerable research experiences in India, Morocco, Mexico, and other countries.
Dr. Quick served as the Soil and Crop Sciences Department Head from 1996 to 2003. Under his leadership a major renovation of the Plant Science building was completed as well as renovations in Shepardson Hall to accommodate the Colorado Seed Laboratory and the Colorado Seed Growers Association.
Since retirement from CSU in 2003, Jim has been employed as a consultant/durum wheat breeder for the Dakota Growers Pasta Company, and has helped developed two new cultivars.
Jim is an avid skier and world traveler. His weekly adventure to the ski slopes has a definite priority in the winter months!
Gary A. "Pete" Peterson
Education
B.S. University of Nebraska – 1963
M.S. University of Nebraska – 1965
Ph.D. Iowa State University – 1967
Years at CSU – 1984-2011
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
Distinguished Teaching Award, University of Nebraska, 1973
Ciba-Geigy Award, American Society of Agronomy, 1974
Fellow American Society of Agronomy, 1982
Fellow Soil Science Society of America, 1982
Colorado State Agronomy Club “Outstanding Educator of the Year”, 1985, 1990, 2000, 2003
Soil Science Applied Research Award, Soil Sci. Soc. of Am., 1987
Research Team Award by Great Plains Agriculture Council, 1990
Agronomic Achievement Award – Soils, Am. Soc. of Agron., 1990
Outstanding Educator Award – Rocky Mountain Plant Food Assn., 1992
NACTA/Shepardson Outstanding Teaching Award, 1993
Researcher of the Year Award – Fluid Fertilizer Foundation, 1996
Gamma Sigma Delta Research Merit Award, 1999
President Soil Science Society of America, 2008
Fellow Soil and Water Conservation Society, 2008
Fellow American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 2010
College of Agricultural Sciences Distinguished Career Award, 2011
Distinguished Individual Award, Rocky Mountain Agribusiness Association, 2012
Soil Science Distinguished Service Award, Soil Sci. Soc. of Am., 2012
Distinguished Service Award, Am. Soc. of Agronomy, 2014
Biography
“Pete” was born at Holdrege, Nebraska in 1940, and grew up on a small irrigated corn farm two miles north of Funk, NE. His formative education was in a one-room, one-teacher school in Phelps County. Pete graduated from Holdrege High School, “The Dusters”, in 1958.
The first 17 years (1967-1984) of Dr. Peterson’s career were at the University of Nebraska teaching Introductory Soil Science, Soil Management, and Soil Chemistry Methods. His research in Nebraska focused on soil fertility for wheat and sugar beet production. Pete’s interest in no-till and water conservation was sparked by interactions with Nebraska Prof. C.A. Fenster. His career research emphasis was on applications of soil science principles to the solution of field related soil management problems.
“Pete” joined the Department of Agronomy at CSU as a Full Professor in 1984. His move from Nebraska to CSU came as a direct result of the leadership of Dr. Wayne Keim, and he filled the position of the recently retired Dr. Ken Brengle, leader of the CSU dryland agricultural research program.
Pete was co-creator with Dr. Jack Fenwick of two innovative, highly successful, team-taught senior level classes in Crop and Soil Management Systems. In 1985, “Pete” and Dr. Dwayne Westfall created the “Dryland Agroecosystem Project” at CSU, which achieved international recognition and was a collaborative effort with the USDA-ARS. Pete was major professor for 22 M.S. and 18 Ph.D. students. He served as Editor, Soils-Technical Editor, and Soils-Associate Editor of Agronomy Journal, and Editor-in-Chief of ASA. He served as President of the SSSA in 2008. After 19 years at CSU in teaching and research Pete became Head of the Soil and Crop Sciences Department at CSU in 2003 from which he retired in 2011. Pete currently serves as Historian for the American Society of Agronomy. Pete’s career personified the land-grant philosophy: he was a truly exceptional teacher in the classroom; his research addressed problems faced by production agriculture using the latest available technologies; he engaged with clientele and scientists and communicated with all audiences using a highly effective style; and his administrative approach fostered teamwork and advancing all faculty and their programs. A truly outstanding faculty member and administrator!
Kenneth A. Barbarick
Education
B.S. University of Arizona – 1974
M.S. University of Arizona – 1975
Ph.D. Colorado State University – 1979
Years at CSU – 1979-2017
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
Gardner Faculty Award, 2006-2010
USPEA Clean Water Act National Recognition Award, 2005
USDA-NASULGC Excellence in Teaching Award, West. Reg., 2004
USPEA Clean Water Act National Recognition Award, 2003
University Distinguished Teaching Scholar CSU, 2001
Gamma Sigma Delta, Senior Faculty Award of Merit, 2000
Co-winner Am. Metro. Sewerage Assoc. Nat. Env. Achievement Award with Cities of Littleton and Englewood, CO, 2000
Co-winner USEPA National Wastewater Management Research Award with cities Littleton and Englewood, CO, 1999
Rocky Mountain Water Environment Assoc., State of CO Biosolids Management Merit Award, 1998
ESCOP/ACOP Leadership Internship, 1993-1994
Fellow Soil Science America, 1992
USEPA Outstanding Achievement Award, Region VIII, 1991
Fellow American Society of Agronomy, 1991
Soil Science Education Award, Soil Sci. Soc. of Am., 1991
Agronomic Resident Education Award, Am. Soc. of Agron., 1990
NACTA Teacher Fellow Award, 1988
USEPA Beneficial Sewage Sludge Use Award, 1988
CIBA-GEIGY Award American Society of Agronomy, 1987
CSU Shepardson Faculty Teaching Award, 1984
CSU Alumni Faculty Award for Teaching, 1982
CSU Agronomy Club Outstanding Professor Award, 1981, 1984, 1995, 2001, 2008
Biography
Dr. Ken Barbarick was born in Arizona and graduated from Mingus High School in 1969. After completing his Ph.D. degree at CSU, Ken joined the CSU Agronomy Department as an Assistant Professor in 1979 and retired in 2017 as Associate Dean for Agriculture (Academic Programs).
Professor Barbarick had an incredibly impactful teaching career! He taught the high enrollment Introductory Soil Science course at CSU from 1979 to 2017. His teaching skill made his large Introductory Soil Science course feel like a small-class experience. Taking photos of the students and learning their names was the first step in the process. He routinely taught 3 or 4 lab sections out of the 8 offered where he had personal contact with individual students. Frequent exams based on behavioral objectives were one of his most effective tools; he gives 10 exams, weekly quizzes, plus a final each semester to keep students on task.
Ken received his most prestigious teaching award in 2001, when he was named a “University Distinguished Teaching Scholar”. His having received both ASA – “Agronomic Resident Education Award” (1990) and the SSSA- “Soil Science Education Award” (1991) evidences national recognition of his teaching prowess. Ken served as ASA President in 2012, but perhaps even more impactful was his unselfish service to our Society’s publication mission. He provided continuous service and leadership to ASA publications for a total of 21 years! He served on the Editorial Board of the Agronomy Journal as Associate Editor, Tech Editor –Soils, and Editor, and then served six years as ASA Editor-in-Chief. In retirement, he serves as Editor of “Natural Sciences Education”.
Dr. Barbarick’s research had an immediate application in the “real world” of biosolids as evidenced by his 34 years of collaborative work with the cities of Littleton and Englewood CO for which he received several USEPA Awards. He also was a highly respected member of the W-170 Regional Research Committee. Ken authored or co-authored 90+ Refereed publications, 65+ Agric. Exp. Stn. Reports; a Study Guide to Introductory Soil Science in its 9th Edition; and a Laboratory Manual that is in its 10th Edition; plus numerous non-refereed proceedings and outreach publications.
Dwayne G. Westfall
Education
B.S. University of Idaho – 1961
Ph.D. Washington State University, 1968.
Years at CSU – 1978-2010
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
Fellow American Society of Agronomy, 1986
Agronomic Achievement Award – Soils” American Society of Agronomy, 1987
Fellow Soil Science Society of America, 1988
Distinguished Service Award by the Great Plains Conservation Tillage Task Force, 1990
Werner L. Nelson Award by National Fertilizer Solution Association, 1990
Honorary Member Award by Agricultural Retailers Association, 1992
Soil Science Applied Research Award Soil Science Society of America, 1993
Faculty Award of Merit by Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society, CSU Chapter, 1994
Researcher of the Year by the Fluid Fertilizer Foundation, 1995
Robert E. Wagner Award by The Potash and Phosphate Institute, 2005
Great Plains Soil Fertility Leadership Award, 2006
Leadership Award Western Nutrient Management Conference, 2009
College of Agricultural Sciences Distinguished Career Award, 2010
Biography
Dwayne Westfall was born in Aberdeen Idaho and grew up on a potato /grain farm. After high school, he enrolled at the University of ID in Moscow where he received his B.S. degree. Dwayne served as 2nd Lieutenant/1st Lieutenant, U. S. Army Chemical Corp, U. S. Army Biological Laboratory, Fort Detrick, MD from 1961-1963. He then received a “National Defense and Education Fellow” grant to study Soil Science at Washington State University. Upon completion of his Ph.D. he joined the faculty of Texas A&M University and was located at the Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Beaumont, TX. His research included soil fertility and chemistry for rice and pasture production and the pollution from irrigation water return flow. Dwayne left Texas A&M in 1973 and joined the Great Western Sugar Company, Longmont, Colorado, as Senior Plant Nutritionist, where he was responsible for research and educational activities in soil fertility and N plant nutrition of sugar beets in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, and Ohio.
In March 1978 Dwayne joined the CSU faculty and was posted in Lahore, Pakistan on a two-year assignment with the On-Farm Water Management Development Project. Upon his return to CO he began his outstanding career in Soil Fertility at CSU. Dr. Westfall is regarded as one of the “Deans” of nutrient management across the United States, and he is highly recognized by his international peers. Throughout his career he focused on efficient management of nutrients within cropping systems with the end goal of helping producers increase their bottom line. He has always believed that the success of an applied research program depends on a close link between the researcher, industry, growers, and Cooperative Extension.
Dwayne had a reputation as an excellent, but demanding teacher. His experiences in field and laboratory research made him highly credible in the eyes of his students. In addition to his undergraduate teaching, he advised/co-advised 31 M.S and 19 Ph.D. degree students. He did his best to instill in them the importance of the technology transfer step and that “research is wasted” if doesn’t get to the user in printed form! In 1985, Dr. Westfall became a co-leader of a research team that developed the highly productive “Dryland Agroecosystem Project”. He also helped build an interdisciplinary, interagency, precision agriculture team at CSU. Dwayne also provided excellent service and leadership in scientific journal editing. He served in the roles of Assoc. and Tech. Editor for Agronomy Journal and the Soil Science Society to America Journal for more than 10 years and as Editor of Journal of Production Agriculture, for an additional 6 years. He truly is a Legend of our Department.
Lee E. Sommers
Education
B.S. Wisconsin State Univ. – Platteville, 1966
M.S. University of Wisconsin, 1969
Ph.D. University of Wisconsin, 1971
Years at CSU – 1985-2013
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
Fellow, Soil Science Society of America, 1985
Fellow, American Society of Agronomy, 1986
Environmental Quality Research Award, American Society of Agronomy, 1987
President, Soil Science Society of America, 1998
Agronomic Science Foundation Board of Directors, 1996-1999; 2007-2011
Member, U.S. National Committee for Soil Science, National Research Council, National Academy of Science, 1996-1999
Co-chair, Organizing Committee for 18th World Congress of Soil Science, Philadelphia, 2006
Chair, Search Committee for Executive Vice President, ASA-CSSA-SSSA, 2002
President, American Society of Agronomy, 2005
Agronomic Service Award, American Society of Agronomy, 2010
Soil Science Professional Service Award, Soil Science Society of America, 2010
Distinguished Extension Award, Colorado State University Alumni Association, 2015
Soil Science Distinguished Service Award, Soil Science Society of America, 2015
Chair, Experiment Station Section, Assoc. Public & Land Grant Univ., 2012
Inductee, Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame, 2018
Biography
Lee Sommers grew up on a southern Wisconsin dairy/mixed crop farm. After receiving his B.S. degree, he studied under Dr. R. F. Harris in Soil Science at the University of Wisconsin for his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Lee accepted a position in the Agronomy Department at Purdue in 1970. At Purdue he taught soil microbiology, soil chemistry, and soil, air, and water contamination. His research program addressed the role of soils and lake sediments in lake eutrophication, recycling industrial wastes and municipal sewage sludges on cropland, and transformations of inorganic and organic compounds in soils and lake sediments. He is a worldwide authority on the beneficial use of biosolids in agriculture. Lee’s early research was foundational in setting the US-EPA standards regarding permissible levels of heavy metals in biolsolids for application to agricultural land. In 2017, 30+ years after he left bench science for administration, scientists and technologists are still reading, quoting, and relying on his papers.
Lee became Head of the Agronomy Department at CSU in 1985 and served in that role until 1996, when he became Director of the CSU Agric. Expt. Sta. He served in that role until his retirement in 2013.
Dr. Sommer’s career contributions represent a unique mix of superior intellectual attainment, uncommon service to clientele, and superior leadership skills. He excelled as an educator, a research scientist, and an administrator. As an educator, he actively promoted the use of the latest technology and approaches in teaching and outreach programs at CSU. He also has promoted the development of resident and distance learning approaches in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University. As a research scientist, he published papers on the environmentally sound application of biosolids to agricultural soils; his peers regard these papers as classic in nature. As an administrator, Dr. Sommers excelled as a Department Head, Agricultural Experiment Station Director, and in two assignments as interim Dean. Professors and staff who worked under his direction regarded Lee as a forward looking leader, who welcomed their input, and a man they trusted to do the right thing in difficult situations.