INDUSTRY EDUCATION program ,” said Streich . “ With the flexibility of our Plant and Landscape Systems major , we can take all 24 credits of their PGA golf management courses and sub those in for the 24 credits of the Plant and Landscape Systems emphases and minors . Combing the two disciplines is perfect for students who want to be general managers . They can complete both majors with little extra time .”
According to Streich , collaborating with the PGA golf management program allows for learning experiences that bridge operations ( golf or sports turf ) staff and turf management professionals .
“ One of the experiences that we do each fall is to take a group of turf and PGA golf management students to Kansas City and speak with operations and turf management staff about communication and developing high-functioning teams ,” she said . “ We visit three golf courses and two professional sports turf fields .”
UNL also has an active Turf Club and competition team , and almost every turfgrass science and management student is a member .
“ We meet around once per month , we have guest speakers , do different activities , and go to different sites ,” said Streich . “ Our Turf Club recently challenged the KSU Turf Club to a golf match play tournament , the Border Battle .”
In addition , all UNL turfgrass science and management students are required to do two internships . “ Internships are really important for taking the knowledge they gain in the classroom , putting it into practice , and understanding the science behind why they are doing what they are doing ,” said Streich . “ I encourage students to get outside of Nebraska for at least one of those internships , so they experience a different growing environment , a different management style , and make different professional connections . Since 2009 , I ’ ve had students in 33 different states ; Washington , D . C .; Ireland and England .”
According to Streich , UNL turfgrass students are also exposed to a variety of research opportunities .
“ We provide undergraduates with faculty-led , handson research and experiential learning opportunities ,” she said . “ One of our research sites is located on campus , which allows students to engage in research activities between classes and allows faculty to use the site for class activities .” In order to attract new students to its program , UNL has a student recruiter , but the program also recruits new students through its alumni and professional connections . “ If they see a student who is working on their crew who is excelling , they will often reach out ,” she said . “ Having alumni out there is very beneficial . We also connect current students to alumni through various avenues to make sure they have a good professional network .”
Streich added that it is important to let prospective students know that there are career opportunities in turfgrass science and related fields , but it is equally important to bring awareness to high school counselors and teachers . She would also like to see careers in turfgrass promoted at sporting events / venues , even if it ’ s just a sign on a fence .
According to Streich , UNL ’ s turfgrass program has much to offer prospective students .
“ Our faculty are very willing to support and work with students to help them gain experiences or knowledge they are seeking ,” she said . “ Even if that means setting up a special projects course for just one student . Our program is large enough to have all the extra learning opportunities outside of the classroom , but small enough where we know our students well and can reach out to them individually if we see an opportunity that fits a specific student ’ s professional goals . In addition , we have strong scholarship support to help students pay for college .”
Streich also reiterated the flexibility of the Plant and Landscape Systems major with the Turfgrass Science and Management option , and the fact that students can create what they want to be professionally .
“ If they tell me what their professional goals are , we can say , ‘ What classes and experiences are going to be best to help you reach those professional goals ?’ Taking those classes that are targeted to what you want to do down the line is highly beneficial ,” she said . SFM
For more information about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln turfgrass program , visit https :// agronomy . unl . edu / turfgrass-landscape-management .
Follow the UNL Turf Club on Twitter @ UNLTurfClub sportsfieldmanagementonline . com June 2023 | SportsField Management
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