Turfgrass Science and Management

UT Turfgrass program logo, an orange Tennessee Power T with stylized grass graphics behind the T

The University of Tennessee Turfgrass Science and Management program brings together education, research, and Extension to support the turfgrass industry in Tennessee and beyond. Our team works collaboratively to advance healthy, sustainable, and high-performing turf systems across a wide range of environments.

What We Do

  • Educate future and current professionals through academic programs, hands-on training, and student development opportunities
  • Generate new insights that help solve today’s problems and anticipate tomorrow’s needs
  • Support & Serve the turfgrass industry with Extension programs, workshops, publications, and on-site guidance

Who We Work With

  • Prospective and current students
  • Academic and research partners
  • Golf course superintendents and sports turf managers
  • Landscape and grounds professionals
  • Sod producers and industry collaborators
  • Community and municipal turf managers

Together, UT faculty, staff, and students are shaping the future of turfgrass science and driving innovation across the region and the industry.

Have a question about turfgrass management in Tennessee? Start with your County Extension Office.
Undergraduate Program
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Explore our undergraduate offerings.
Graduate Programs
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Explore our graduate programs.
Resources
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View our turfgrass publications, mobile weed manual, and more.
Events
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Find out more about our annual BEACON event and Turf Tuesdays.
Our People
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Explore the faculty and staff for the entire Department of Plant Sciences.
Jobs & Internships
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Check out jobs and internships in the turf industry.

Team

Becky Bowling Profile Page
Becky Bowling
Assistant Professor, Plant Sciences
Jim Brosnan Profile Page
Jim Brosnan
Professor & Director, Plant Sciences
Brandon Joseph Horvath Profile Page
Brandon Joseph Horvath
Professor, Plant Sciences
John Charles Sorochan Profile Page
John Charles Sorochan
Distinguished Professor, Plant Sciences
John Clinton Stier Profile Page
John Clinton Stier
Associate Dean, Herbert College of Agriculture Administration

Note: Dr. Tom Samples is now a Professor Emeritus.

Gregory K Breeden Profile Page
Gregory K Breeden
Extension Specialist I, Plant Sciences
Bill Czekai Profile Page
Bill Czekai
Turfgrass Research Plot Manager, Plant Sciences
Kyley Hampton Dickson Profile Page
Kyley Hampton Dickson
Research Scientist, Plant Sciences
Rhys Fielder Profile Page
Rhys Fielder
Turfgrass Researcher – World Cup 2026, Plant Sciences
Dillon McCallum Profile Page
Dillon McCallum
Turfgrass Researcher – World Cup 2026, Plant Sciences
David Shell Profile Page
David Shell
Research Associate I, Plant Sciences

Javier Vargas

Taylor Williams Profile Page
Taylor Williams
Research Associate I, Plant Sciences
Conlan Micheal Burbrink Profile Page
Conlan Micheal Burbrink
Graduate Research Assistant, Phd Student, Plant Sciences
Rhys Fielder Profile Page
Rhys Fielder
Turfgrass Researcher – World Cup 2026, Plant Sciences
Zoe Nicole Haub Profile Page
Zoe Nicole Haub
Graduate Research Assistant, MS Student, Plant Sciences
Siena Skye Jobkar Profile Page
Siena Skye Jobkar
Graduate Research Assistant, Ms Student, Plant Sciences
Logan Neale Smith Profile Page
Logan Neale Smith
Graduate Research Assistant, Phd Student, Plant Sciences

Online Certification Offerings

The Turfgrass Science and Management concentration offers several online certifications including the Certified Lawn Care Professional (CLCP) and the Certified Landscape Professional.

Certified Lawn Care Professional (CLCP)

  • Introductory, online course focused on turfgrass establishment and maintenance
  • Taught by University of Tennessee faculty and staff
  • Fully online and self-paced
  • Ideal for individuals new to the turfgrass industry or those looking to enhance their professional credibility
  • Note: This course does not count toward pesticide licensure.

Certified Landscape Professional

  • Introductory, online course focused on landscape establishment and maintenance
  • Taught by University of Tennessee faculty and staff
  • Fully online and self-paced
  • Ideal for individuals new to landscape management or those looking to market themselves as industry professionals
  • Note: This course does not count toward pesticide licensure.

UT Turfgrass and FIFA

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s turfgrass experts are collaborating with Michigan State University and FIFA for the FIFA World Cup 26™. Find out more here.