Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension

The experiences and knowledge I gained while working at the ISU Horticulture Center as both an undergraduate and graduate student were invaluable aspects of my college journey. From designing and upkeeping gardens to sharing the wonders of horticulture with people of all ages, I obtained practical, hands-on skills in this beautiful outdoor laboratory. Witnessing the center's transformation from a seedling to a cherished community botanical gem today has been truly remarkable.

Horticulturalist II, Indoor Conservatories, Missouri Botanical Garden

The Horticulture program and my involvement with The Horticulture Center have had a significant impact on my life. Over the course of a few years, I not only gained valuable preparation for a career in the green industry, but have also built a strong network of professional connections and lifelong friendships through participation in clubs, activities, trips, competitions, and classes. These experiences have not only solidified my career goals, but have also ignited a passion for plants that I will continue to pursue indefinitely! I will forever be grateful to my professors, The Horticulture Center and the Horticulture program for their role in shaping my future and leaving me with life-long memories. Roll Birds!

Supervisor of Parks and Landscape maintenance for Peoria Park District

Owner of Auburn Acres Native Plant Nursery

The ISU Horticulture Center was early in development when I attended Illinois State and allowed me to tap into my landscape creativity, learn about new plants and design, as well as gain experience in landscape maintenance.  The Horticulture Center provided me with a student worker job that complimented my education and allowed me to put what I learned in the classroom to work.  I enjoyed, and still enjoy, how many collections there are and how many different avenues the Horticulture Center provides the public and students to engage with the natural world.

ISU Greenhouse Gardener, Agriculture Science Masters Student

Being a horticulture major at ISU, the horticulture center was instrumental to my educational career. Getting to take part in so many labs from plant site selection, tree relocation, landscape design and fabrication projects all gave me tremendous knowledge and confidence in my abilities.

Herb & vegetable grower, Annuals production 

Hoerr Nursery 

Horticulture was the best path I have decided to take thus far in my life. I came across the word "horticulture" on accident one day and decided to pursue it because working with plants sounded like a fun time. This led me to the horticulture program at ISU and the Horticulture club. Where I met some life long friends along the way and learned so many valuable career skills, and life skills from my amazing professors. My experience in the ISU horticulture program gave me a lot of confidence in myself that I lacked before. I will forever be connecting with people through the power of plants now. Keep growing!

Landscape Designer

The Horticultural program at ISU has so much to offer if you’re are looking to continue your career in the Green Industry. It has made an impact on my career and I’m sure it will for yours as well!

The Land and Vegetable Production Manager

Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery

I graduated in 2024 with a double major in horticulture/agribusiness. The horticulture professors had the biggest impact on me, I learned not only the skills needed to be successful in the green industry, but also how to be a good person and a professional in the workplace. I’m currently employed at Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery as the Land and Vegetable Production manager.” Feel free to change anything to make it format into the website easier or if you need more information let me know! Thanks!

Elburn Public Works

Horticulture center allowed me to have a hands on experience that was both directly related to and prepared me for my career in the Public Maintenance field. I have worked for Park Districts for many years but I currently work for Elburn Public Works and still use my Horticulture degree on a daily basis.

Bayer Crop Science Production Researcher

I would say that the Horticulture Program was a very crucial part of my college experience.  The knowledge and experiences offered to me were endless, while also allowing me to create new life-long connections and friendships.

My education at ISU was greatly enriched by my experiences at the Horticulture Center.  One of my classes was Herbaceous Plants taught by Adjunct Lecturer, Jessica Chamber, who is also the director of the Hort Center.  We visited the Center frequently during our class which gave us hands-on exposure to the plants that we were studying rather than just learning from pictures.  Following that class, Jessica helped me to create two independent study classes to recreate the Shade Garden at the Horticulture Center.  This gave me an opportunity to use the skills learned in the Herbaceous Plants class and  the Landscape Design and Landscape Management classes taught by Dr. David Kopsell in a real world setting.  Following my graduation I worked five years as a horticulturalist at the Horticulture Center. The skills and knowledge that came from the time spent at the Center as part of my classes gave me the confidence I needed for me to be successful at my job.

Manager of Horticulture, University of Missouri Landscape Services & Mizzou Botanic Garden

The Horticulture Center and the horticulture program at ISU have had a profound impact on my life and my career. The professors and instructors in the program go above and beyond to connect with their students and showed me how valuable public horticulture is to all. The program and the center offered me so much – volunteer opportunities, hands-on experience, and meaningful connections that have endured and changed the trajectory of my life and career. I have devoted my career to public horticulture as a result and owe so much of my success to my time spent here.

Greenhouse Manager

As I was on the switch of major changes it was tough to figure out what to study while going from Nursing to Agriculture. I knew that I was always interested in Agriculture but never thought I would pursue it as a career. I quickly found a love for Horticulture after taking Intro to Horticulture 101. I think my favorite class was anything to do with hands-on activities which was just about all the Horticulture and Landscape Design classes. I love seeing a project or activity from start to finish. Post college I was in Plant Health Care for 3 years and after knowing that was not for me I have since moved onto being the Greenhouse Manager at a IGC in Saint Charles, IL. I was nervous I would struggle finding a job I enjoy in the Green Industry but I can happily say that my current position I do indeed enjoy. It has its struggles from time to time but I am constantly learning and growing my knowledge each day. I am so thankful for those who I encountered with in the ISU Horticulture Program (I have met some of my best friends through the program) and my Professors for all their patience, teachings, and drive to watch me/us succeed. Go Birds!

The ISU Horticulture Program is what catapulted my passion for the Landscaping and Horticulture industry. The Horticulture Program and the professors at ISU truly promote an excitement for learning, making it not just education – but an inspiring journey! Through hands-on experiences and innovative teachings, the Horticulture Program cultivates more than just plants, but it creates a lifelong desire to learn and share your passion with others!

In 1992, I made a pivotal decision to switch my major from Biology to Horticulture while attending Illinois State University. This change was inspired by a summer job I landed at a greenhouse, where my fascination with plants took root. Immersing myself in the Horticulture program, my passion for plants flourished—excuse the pun. My education was enriched not only by the guidance of my professors but also through hands-on experiences exploring the campus arboretum and grounds. Remarkably, even after three decades, I can still recall the locations of many tree species on campus! Fast forward to today, and I proudly hold the position of Senior Landscape Designer at Wasco Nursery & Garden Center, located just outside of Chicago. The knowledge and skills I acquired during my time in the program continue to shape my career every single day since my graduation in 1994. If anything, my enthusiasm for plants has only deepened over the years.

The ISU Horticulture was the foundation to the success I have had in my career.  The curriculum provided a solid training in both practical horticulture and business management.  I have utilized training in both of those areas to advance my career in the provide sector and in academia.  The support and encouragement of faculty within the Agriculture Department allowed me to attend graduate school and eventually become a professor.  As a current university administrator, I rely on concepts I learned in business management, accounting, and business ethics that were a part of my program of study for the horticulture sequence.  The unique program at ISU produces talented and well-trained students capable of pursuing multiple career pathways.