Innovative distance education program for golf course superintendents created
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, together with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), have unveiled a new distance education program designed to enable golf course superintendents anywhere in the world to achieve graduate-level training or complete a master’s degree.
The new multidisciplinary program, the first of its kind in the United States to have been developed in cooperation with the GCSAA, will be coordinated through UNL’s Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. It offers courses not only in agronomy and horticulture, but also in entomology, plant pathology, business and leadership. All courses will be distance-delivered, thereby enabling participants to further their educational goals while still working in their careers. Those entering the program are not required to be physically present on the UNL campus at any time, and will have 10 years to complete the full master’s program.
Under the program, students will select from basic and/or advanced topic options in one of three areas–leadership, turf management, and facilities. Recognition for completion of these emphasis areas will be awarded through individual UNL departments, so participants will receive documentation for work completed, even if they do not pursue a master’s degree. The non-thesis master’s program consists of 36 graduate credit hours, with degrees offered in agronomy, entomology and leadership education. GCSAA members may apply selected GCSAA seminars toward emphasis areas and degree requirements.
"We’re extremely pleased and excited to offer this program in conjunction with GCSAA," noted Dr. Mark Lagrimini, Professor and Head of UNL’s Department of Agronomy & Horticulture. "In the golf world, it is a highly prestigious organization, and we’re very gratified that it has chosen to partner with us to further the educational goals of its members."
"GCSAA is committed to extending quality, well-rounded educational opportunities to our membership and this program has all the elements to do just that" noted Shari Koehler, GCSAA Director of Education. "We too, are extremely pleased to offer this program in conjunction with UNL to further benefit the educational goals of our members."
Celebrating its 80th anniversary, GCSAA is a leading golf organization, which has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association’s philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
Dr. Roch Gaussoin, Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and Extension Turfgrass Specialist, will serve as student advisor for the program. Dr. Gaussoin is a long-time faculty member for GCSAA. The program is now accepting students for the fall 2006 semester. Dr. Deana Namuth, Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, coordinates plant science distance education programming.
Contact:
Jeff Bollig, GCSAA Director of Communications
(800) 472-7878, ext. 4430
jbollig@gcsaa.org
