Colorado State University Dean of Agricultural Sciences Recognized as Colorado Nursery Person of the Year
The Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association recently named Marc Johnson, Colorado State University’s dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, their Nursery Person of the Year for his efforts to include the green industry as a part of the agricultural field.
This annual award recognizes an individual who has made a positive impact on the Colorado horticulture industry through his involvement, participation or action in the promotion of professionalism, creativity and involvement for the betterment of the industry.
"He has reached out to the green industry and included them in projects involving Colorado State in ways that had not previously been experienced," said Sharon Harris, executive director of CNGA. "From the time that Marc arrived at Colorado State University, he not only accepted offers to meet and talk with leaders in the green industry, he also learned about our issues and understood that as growers, we are a part of agriculture."
Johnson spent time talking to CNGA growers one-on-one to better understand the needs of horticulture growers.
"With this understanding, he speaks to food and fiber folks about the horticultural growers and has helped to bridge the gap between the two," Harris said. She added that he maintains contact with the green industry and works with business owners to understand, support and communicate the benefit of the green industry in Colorado to other related industries.
"From his first weeks in the state, he worked with the industry to learn about the issues being faced and how we might work together. During difficult financial times at Colorado State, Marc has kept horticulture a leading segment of agriculture there," Harris said.
Steve Brown, a former president of the board of the association, presented Johnson with a free-standing plaque signifying his award during the CNGA Annual Banquet on Jan. 26. This annual event is held during the ProGreen Expo.
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