Brad Jakubowski hired as new Instructor of Plant Science

June 17, 2017 in 2-year, 4-year, Grad Students

Penn State announced that Brad Jakubowski has been named new Instructor of Plant Science within the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Turfgrass Science Major. Jakubowski, currently a Penn State PhD graduate assistant studying performance testing of athletic fields, will start his new appointment on August 1st.

Jakubowski will primarily be teaching a variety of courses in turfgrass irrigation and drainage as well as fundamental turfgrass management. His responsibilities will also include serving as a liaison between Penn State and stakeholder groups, such as the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council and the Keystone Athletic Field Manager’s Organization.

“It is truly an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Turfgrass Science Program here at Penn State,” said Jakubowski. “The program has a remarkable history of impact upon the green industry through education and research, with an ever-increasing ceiling. I am excited to work with faculty and members of the industry and be a part of helping Penn State produce future leaders throughout the turfgrass and green industry.”

Jakubowski has been involved with the green industry for nearly 30 years, working within the residential/commercial irrigation, golf course and sport field areas. Previously, he directed the two-year Sports Turf Management Program for the University of Nebraska and helped to develop their new Turfgrass and Landscape Management Degree Program. He is a 15-year member of the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA), co-founder of the STMA Intercollegiate Student Challenge and recently served on the STMA board of directors.

In his role as Instructor of Plant Science, Jakubowski will teach 4-year resident Golf Course Irrigation and Drainage, Landscape Soil and Water Management, 2-year resident Golf Course Irrigation and Drainage, and instruct online courses in Golf Course Irrigation and Drainage and Introduction to Turfgrass Management. He will also oversee the Program’s digital footprint of social media, blogs, and other media outlets as well as provide support for Penn State turfgrass conferences and field day activities.

Established in 1929, the Penn State Turfgrass Program has always kept the Land Grant mission in its vision. Based on these principles, the turfgrass program at Penn State strives to remain a world leader in the areas of education, research and outreach in the turf industry. Penn State offers 2-year and 4-year undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and certificates in turfgrass science, including online programs.