8/15/01

Contacts:
Jeff Iles, Horticulture, 515/294-0029
Susan Thompson, Agriculture Communications, 515/294-0705

NEW CHAIR NAMED FOR IOWA STATE HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENT

Editor's Note: Higher resolution images are available. Please contact the Agriculture Communications name listed above. Jeff Iles

AMES, Iowa -- A new chair has been named for the Iowa State University Department of Horticulture. Jeff Iles will begin a three-year appointment on Sept. 1. Mike Kelly, chair of the forestry department, had been serving as interim chair since May 1. Mike Chaplin, who had been department chair since 1991, has joined the ranks of the department's faculty. Iles has been with the department since 1987. He received his bachelor's degree in horticulture from Michigan State University in 1977, his master's in horticulture from Pennsylvania State University in 1985 and his doctorate in ornamental horticulture from Iowa State in 1993. Iles' research includes studying the effect of transplant date on establishment of several difficult-to-transplant deciduous tree species; evaluating new crabapple and shade tree cultivars for the Iowa market; and surveying business practices and research needs of the Iowa nursery, garden center and landscape industry. In announcing the appointment, Iowa State College of Agriculture Dean Richard Ross said Iles' experience with the horticulture department's extension, research and teaching programs provides him with a strong base from which to lead the department. "In addition, he has a strong relationship with the industry and many other groups and understands their needs and issues," Ross said.

News Releases Agriculture in Action Ag Online Communications Skills Home