MTF Board Announces Endowed Chair Position

The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Board of Directors are pleased to announce the initiation of a proposed Endowed Chair position in the name of Dr. Joe Vargas. After several months of fact finding and research regarding the feasibility of such an endeavor the proposed measure was discussed by the Board of Directors on May 20, 2021. Board Meeting held at the Holiday Inn, Okemos MI.

Instrumental in the formation of the process is MTF past president and long- time Executive Director Gordie LaFontaine. Mr. LaFontaine has served a distinctive career in the success of the MTF and its support of the MSU Turf Program. This undertaking may prove to be one of the most significant by the MTF in its long history of supporting the MSU Turf Program.

Official public announcement of the proposal was made during the LaFontaine Golf Benefit for Graduate Assistantships on June 23rd at the Coyote Preserve Golf Club. At the conclusion of the golf event, Gordie was able to introduce Dr. Vargas and inform the attendees that the MTF will be engaging with MSU to develop “The Joe Vargas Chair in Molecular and Turf Pathology.” The timing of preparing for this Endowed Chair coincides with Dr. Vargas’s announcement to the attendees that he will be retiring from his position at MSU in 2 years. This timeline has been approved by Plant, Soils and Microbial Sciences Chair, Dr. Brian Horgan. Dr. Horgan oversees the Turf Team in PSMS and as a MSU Turf Alumni has great respect of Dr. Vargas and his service to MSU. Dr. Horgan has been involved with the many discussions that have been taking place with this concentrated effort and will be instramental in its development. Horgan believes an Endowed Chair position in Dr. Vargas’s name is attainable and respectful to the 53 years of teaching, research and influence of thousands of individuals in the world of turf that Joe Vargas has contributed.

Many will ask what the importance of such a position, why is it needed and how will it be formulated.

What does an Endowed Faculty Position provide?

As the MTF and MSU work together to provide this position the language and documents required will be significant. MSU is excited of the possibilities the Endowed chair for the Turf Program and early assessment have already been developed. The MSU stated importance is below.

Why is it needed?

Funding an Endowed position will ensure the Turf Program at MSU will exist despite the ups and downs of any economy or unforeseen issues that may occur over time. An Endowed Chair position is of tremendous importance to the University, and it is reflection of the Turf Industry and its commitment to the Turf Program.

How is it funded?

The MTF will provide significant funding to promote the initiative. It will form a committee to seek advice and opportunities from other sources. More information on the process and how to be involved will be available soon.

“MSU - THE IMPORTANCE OF ENDOWED FACULTY”

“The Joe Vargas Chair in Molecular and Turf Pathology will ensure that a strong and robust program is possible in perpetuity, and that MSU’s land-grant tradition of linking research to our region’s needs continues to advance the economic development, environmental stewardship, and improved quality of life in Michigan and around the world.”

How much funding will be required?

Final financial figures are being coordinated. Early estimates have been stated to be 4 to 5 million dollars. Operational funding of an Endowed Position on an annual basis is the goal and calculating those needed values is a part of the process.

Is this attainable?

The MTF believes it is. It will require coordinated efforts of individuals and industry partners who support and believe in the MSU Turf Program and want it continue and sustain as significant part of the Turf World.

Is the importance of an Endowed Chair critical to the Turf Program?

MSU has had input to this issue already – to quote:

“MSU - What holds true for successful businesses holds true

for universities: we live in a competitive world. In academia, we compete for the best students, we compete for funds to fuel our research programs, and we compete for the best faculty. Endowed positions offer a huge competitive advantage when recruiting faculty, as they are one of the most pivotal factors in deciding between offers as candidates consider their options.”

Graduate Assistantship –

Lends advantages as well

5 years ago the MTF developed the MTF Graduate Assistantship Fund. This Fund was a product of distributing available funding from the Founders Society Endowment and the LaFontaine Endowment to produce an invested fund that combines with the Rieke Endowment (now held by MSU) to provide for Graduate Assistantships on an annual basis for the Turf Team. When combined with an Endowed Chair position and funding for graduate assistantships – MSU can consider itself at a competitive advantage for talented individuals interested in turf research.

Finally, we all are aware of the influence Dr. Vargas has had on the turf industry and his impact on thousands of students. Many feel he is part of the triumvirate that established the MSU Turf Program for generations – Dr. James Beard, Dr. Paul Rieke and Dr. Joe Vargas. Turf programs throughout the world respect those who have led MSU then and continue to do so now. The MTF would like to do its part to see this program into the future.

Dr. Vargas and his list of accomplishments are more numerous to list, but some of the noteworthy:

MSU Distinguished Faculty Award 2019, Michigan Golf Hall of Fame 2016,More than 53 years turfgrass industry, over 200 articles on Turfgrass disease, over 1,000 conference presentations, written leading textbook on turfgrass management, World leader Turfgrass pathology, Voluntary capacities at MSU, State, National and international levels, Advises masters and doctoral students severed on promotion and tenure committees, Coordinates the MSU Diagnostic Lab and faculty coordinator at the MSU Turfgrass Research Center since 1970 and has served at many levels to the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, Member of the Turf and Ornamental Committee and the Archives Committee of the American Phytopathological Society….and much more.

The MTF is fortunate to have had Dr. Vargas as one of the finest representatives of turf in the world. We look forward to placing his name on the Turf Program and this would be a respectful way of saying thank you. The Foundation will be updating its membership of the activities involved with this undertaking and looks forward to any support or questions you may have.

Thank you, MTF Board of Directors