Letter from the Department Head
Dr. Richard D. Cartwright
Professor & Interim Department Head
Welcome to the Web site of the University of Arkansas' Department of Plant Pathology!
Our Department is one of the oldest in the U.S., started in 1909. Our faculty and staff pursue a balance of fundamental and mission-oriented research and their work has enjoyed state, national and international recognition in virology, biological control, electron microscopy, nematology, fungal biology, integrated plant disease management and molecular plant pathology.
Our Department is also well known for mission-oriented or problem-solving field research and extension plant pathology programs in the state and mid south. We have active extension and research programs at key locations across Arkansas.
This mix of fundamental and applied research and extension programs, and multiple locations, provides an excellent balance in teaching the next generation of plant pathologists, who will be needed to fill critical jobs in the Plant Health Sciences in the future. Our students will go on to work in research, extension, consulting, regulatory affairs, the seed industry or the crop protection industry - among other areas. We also strive to instill or reinforce in each student the desire to be a life-long learner, to be knowledgeable but with good judgment, and to adhere to consistently high standards in their personal and professional lives.
One of the great things about the plant health sciences today, and about our Department, is the diversity of people involved. In our programs, you can meet talented persons from many different countries and this interaction fosters life-long friendships and greater understanding around the world.
So whether you are a prospective student or other visitor to our Web site and Department, we again say welcome to one of the best experiences you can ever have - that of learning about plant health and the people of Arkansas Plant Pathology. Enjoy your stay.
R. D. Cartwright
Professor and Interim Department Head
rcartwri@uark.edu