To better reflect the scope of its work, the college’s Department of Agronomy has changed its name to the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences.

The department’s title was changed after extensive consultation with faculty, alumni, and agricultural industry professionals, according to A. J. Turgeon, professor of turfgrass management and interim department head.

“We made the change for the sake of clarity,” Turgeon says. “Agronomy has always been about crop production and soil resources, but it’s an older term that a lot of people aren’t familiar with. Many other departments have changed their names for similar reasons.

“Our research and extension activities in production agriculture, environmental stewardship, and land use policy won’t change. Our faculty have actively researched and trained graduate students in these areas for years. But acknowledging soil science in the departmental name should enhance our ability to attract the best students.

“Soil is the fundamental medium that supports all human activities,” says Turgeon. “We grow our food in soil, build our buildings on it, play on it, and dispose of our wastes in it. We will continue to conduct research and teach in areas important to the agriculture sector and all the citizens of the Commonwealth.”