Current Position
President and Executive Director, Botanical Research Institute of Texas
(Professor emeritus, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities)

Research Interests
Ecological, developmental, and comparative plant anatomy; aquatic plant reproductive strategies;
tracheid – vessel transitions, xylem structure

BSA Service
1995-1999 Finance Advisory Group; 1998-2001 Treasurer; 2006 President;
2018, 2019 BSA Distinguished Fellow and Emerging Leader Awards Committee
Legacy Society, Founding Member; 2007 – present, Development Committee
Author and principal fundraiser for Maynard F. Moseley Award (Structural & Paleobotany) and
Vernon I. Cheadle Award

Other Service
Center for Plant Conservation, Board of Directors; Past-President, Texas Academy of Science; Amer. Assoc.
Museum: Past- Governance National Taskforce;
American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta, Past- Board of Directors;
American Public Garden Association Award of Merit (2013); Excellence in Peer Review Service Award, American
Association of Museums; Botanical Society of America Award of Merit
Department of Biology Chair, Texas State University 1984-1989
Dean of Science, Texas State University 1989-1992
Executive Director, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (1992-2010); Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, (2010-2015)
Professor, Department of Horticultural Science, U. of Minnesota, Twin Cities 2010-2015

Statement of Interest
My first BSA meeting was in Tempe, AZ (1974?). From that beginning, the Society has served as a professional
compass, promoting and encouraging high standards and best practices in teaching, research, and service.
Without question, BSA has played a critical role in the professional growth of all members. We have a strong
alumni base, a vibrant and growing membership, and Legacy Society. As a BSA Director at Large for
Development I would like to ensure growth in all of BSA’s programs and activities, but also explore how BSA can
build stronger ties with other plant focused organizations that could serve as a catalyst for growing BSA’s
financial future. My past oversight of development programs and staffing at Santa Barbara Botanical Garden,
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and the Botanical Research Institute of Texas will enhance such endeavors.