MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Jac Varco of Starkville has assumed duties as the interim department head of Mississippi State University’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

Varco assumed the responsibilities after the departure of Michael Collins on March 31. The department provides instruction, research and outreach for MSU and the state in agronomy, horticulture, soil science and weed science.

Varco has been at MSU since 1986 serving in various teaching and research roles. He has been a full professor since 1996. He has served as undergraduate coordinator for the plant and soil sciences department since 2005.

Undergraduate programs in agronomy include integrated crop management, golf and sports turf management, agricultural and environmental soil sciences, and agricultural pest management. Bachelor degrees in horticulture include floricultural and ornamental horticulture as well as floral management. Students can earn minors in floral management. Graduate programs are available in agronomy, horticulture and weed science.

During his career, Varco has received several awards for teaching and research activities. Most recently, he received the 2008 career award in resident education from the Southern Regional Branch of the American Society of Agronomy. He has served as an associate editor of Crop Management Journal, Agronomy Journal, and Soil Science Society of America Journal.

Varco received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in soil science from the University of Florida. He received his doctorate in agronomy with a specialization in soil science and a minor in agricultural production economics from the University of Kentucky.

The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences is located in Dorman Hall on the southwestern edge of campus at the intersection of Creelman Street and Stone Boulevard.

-30-

Writer: Linda Breazeale

Released: April 17, 2008
Contact: Dr. Jac Varco, (662) 325-2737