Current Employee of the Month Award Winner

February 2024 Employee of the Month - John Hinson

John joined the VT Turfgrass Team in April 2022 and in only 18 months has made truly transformative changes in the appearance and function of the VT Turfgrass Research Center.  John has played the primary role in the VT Turfgrass Team securing several thousands of dollars’ worth of donations in funds and materials in initiating (and completing) the installation and renovation of new research areas for cool-season putting green and fairway turfs, as well as 1.5 acres of new bermudagrass fairway research area featuring four new bermudagrass cultivars. The Research Center facility has undergone important updates in John's short tenure with new chemical mixing and storage facilities in the main building, updates to the two pavilions that are used across the college/university by many for extension, teaching and social activities, the installation of a new equipment storage shed, and securing a few hundred thousand dollars’ worth of equipment with which to further improve our research program.  The attention to detail that John has provided in his efforts to update the TRC was highlighted by many turfgrass industry alums and friends at the 50th anniversary of the VT Turfgrass Research Center Field Day in August of 2023. All of this has been done in addition to his daily responsibilities in equipment and plot maintenance, supervision of our student labor, and planning for the short- and long-term needs of the facility and our research, teaching, and outreach programs.