THE IMPORTANCE OF ENDOWED FACULTY

At the forefront of our turfgrass program are our faculty members who are leaders in their areas of expertise. They create new knowledge through research, while educating and inspiring the students who will become the next generation of leaders in the field. These talented individuals are the heartbeat of the program, and we must continue to attract the most forward-thinking researchers and educators to Michigan State.

At the forefront of our turfgrass program are our faculty members who are leaders in their areas of expertise. They create new knowledge through research, while educating and inspiring the students who will become the next generation of leaders in the field. These talented individuals are the heartbeat of the program, and we must continue to attract the most forward-thinking researchers and educators to Michigan State.

What holds true for successful businesses holds true for universities: we live in a competitive world. In academia, we compete for the best students, for funds to fuel our research programs, and for the best faculty. Endowed positions offer a huge competitive advantage when recruiting faculty, as they are one of the most pivotal factors that candidates consider when weighing their options between multiple universities. For that reason, we are seeking a $5 million endowment to fully endow the Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology at Michigan State University.

What holds true for successful businesses holds true for universities: we live in a competitive world. In academia, we compete for the best students, for funds to fuel our research programs, and for the best faculty. Endowed positions offer a huge competitive advantage when recruiting faculty, as they are one of the most pivotal factors that candidates consider when weighing their options between multiple universities. For that reason, we are seeking a $5 million endowment to fully endow the Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology at Michigan State University.

The Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass 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.

The Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass 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.

We seek faculty members who will offer unique viewpoints and expertise to educate and inspire our students, and who will conduct collaborative research with colleagues in other colleges and industries. The Vargas Chair will enable MSU to effectively compete for top faculty members who are leaders in the field of turfgrass pathology.

We seek faculty members who will offer unique viewpoints and expertise to educate and inspire our students, and who will conduct collaborative research with colleagues in other colleges and industries. The Vargas Chair will enable MSU to effectively compete for top faculty members who are leaders in the field of turfgrass pathology.

GOLF’S ECONOMIC IMPACT

$4.2 BILLION Economic impact in Michigan from the golf industry

The Golf Industry

60,000 PEOPLE Employed by Michigan golf courses

$1.4 BILLION Wages paid annually by Michigan golf courses

127,500 ACRES

Professionally managed greenspace that provide wildlife habitats