Kent W. Kurtz

Title: Professor

Department: Horticulture/Plant & Soil Science

Room: 2-213B

Phone: (909) 869-2211

E-Mail: kwkurtz@csupomona.edu

Home Page:

Tenure: 1969, Horticulture/Plant and Soil Science

Education:

BS Plant & Soil Science Southern Illinois University (1963)
MA Biological Science Western Michigan University (1967)
Ph.D. Horticulture University of Arizona (1981)

Biography:

Dr. Kurtz is a Professor of Ornamental Horticulture and Turfgrass Management in the Horticulture/Plant & Soil Science Department. He served in the Illinois National Guard, held the position of Viticulturist with National Grape Cooperative, Inc. (Welch Grape Juice Company) in Lawton, Michigan (1964-1966), and as a Golf Course Consultant with O.M. Scotts & Sons, Marysville, Ohio (1967-1969). He received his academic appointment at Cal Poly Pomona in the Ornamental Horticulture Department in 1969 and served as Acting Chair in 1990 -1991.

Teaching Areas/Expertise:

Turfgrass Management, Sports Turf/Advanced Turfgrass Science, Golf Course Management, History of Garden Art, Horticultural Principles & Practices, Landscape Management, Grape Production, Park Policies & Procedures, Introduction to Horticulture, Undergraduate Seminar, Senior Project.

Research Areas/Expertise:

Dr. Kurtz has authored several scientific publications and more than 100 articles in industry trade magazines. His research interests are varied but concentrate mostly in the areas of turfgrass management, cultivar evaluation, turfgrass nutrition, soil modification, cultural practices, control of pests and weeds, and new technology in sports field surfaces to enhance safety and reduce player injuries. Dr. Kurtz has served the turfgrass industry as a consultant both nationally and internationally as a sports field and golf course specialist. He has prepared stadiums for the Super Bowl, Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Freedom Bowl and has been involved with two major league All Star games. He has assisted many golf courses with their management practices.

Awards/Recognition/Professional Activity:

In 1986, Dr. Kurtz received the Harry Gill Award from the Sports Turf Managers Association, the International Achievement Award from the Institute of Groundsmanship (1988) London, the Meritorious Service Award from the California Recreation & Parks Society (1989), the Man of the Year Award (1993) by SportsTurf magazine, the Excellence in Research Award by the Sports Turf Managers Association, and the 30 year Distinguished Service Award from the Southern California Turfgrass Council.

He was selected as the 2001 outstanding Alumus from the College of Agriculture at Sounthern Illinois University.

Dr. Kurtz served as Park Commissioner for San Bernardino County (1984-1995), Executive Director for the Sports Turf Managers Association (1984-1990), and currently serves as Educational Liaison for the Southern California Turfgrass Council and Historian for the Sports Turf Managers Association. He is a member of many other professional Associations and serves on the Athletic Board at Cal Poly Pomona (1984-present) and is the Faculty advisor to the GCSAA Student Chapter.