Department of Horticulture Students Earn Top Honors at Regional Horticultural Science Conference

Faculty, staff and students from the University of Arkansas Department of Horticulture were recognized for strong participation and multiple student awards at the Southern Region American Society for Horticultural Science annual meeting held Jan. 29-Feb. 1 in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Department faculty and staff contributed to the conference through research presentations, session moderation and student competition leadership. Anthony Bowden helped organize the student poster competition. Graduate students from the department also presented research in oral and poster sessions under the mentorship of faculty members Matt Bertucci, Aaron Cato, Garry McDonald, Amanda McWhirt and Margaret Worthington. 

Ten undergraduate students attended the conference with Curt Rom and horticulture instructor Sarah Paschal as part of the Horticulture Club and the Competitive Teams course. Competing as the HortHogs, students participated in plant identification, commodity judging and oral presentation competitions against peers from universities across the country. 

The HortHogs earned first place in the Southern Region Club Activities Oral Presentation competition. The presentation team included Brianna Bailey, Cooper Bull, Emma Hatcher, and Nathan Gray. 

Students also earned first place in Vegetable Commodity Evaluation and Judging and third place in Floriculture and Indoor Plant Identification. Across plant identification and commodity judging events, the team placed third overall in the Southern Region. 

HortHog team members included Ann Bell, Jackson Ball, Aaryana Grundmeier, Ava Kamm, Sonora Weeden, Emma Hatcher, Brianna Bailey, Cooper Bull and Nathan Gray. 

Olivia Schinker participated in the undergraduate research poster competition and received third place.

The conference also highlighted student leadership within the professional society. Emma Hatcher was elected president-elect/vice president of the SR-ASHS student branch for 2026-27 and will serve as president of the student conference and competitions in 2027-28. 

Bell, president of the Horticulture Club, said the experience reflected both professional growth and the culmination of her time in the program. 

"As a horticulture student, my degree requires hands-on field experience," she said. "There is no better way to gain that experience than alongside friends and students from other universities. Preparing and competing with future colleagues while building new connections is a unique and valuable opportunity. It is an experience I would recommend to anyone interested in horticulture. 

"This was my third year participating," she said. "Bringing 10 students with me this year represented the culmination of my time at UARK and reflected the dedication of our outstanding advisors, Dr. Rom and Ms. Paschal. I could not have asked for a better environment or group of people to network with, compete with and learn from. I am grateful for this experience and wish the best to those who will participate next year."

Department head Mary Savin said the conference outcomes reflect intentional preparation and investment in experiential learning. 

"Congratulations to both the HORT Club and the HortHogs Team for their strong performance at the Southern Region American Society of Horticultural Science meeting," Savin said. "Experiences outside the classroom are an integral part of students' career development and building professional connections." 

Savin noted that Rom taught a horticulture judging and competition activity course during the fall semester to prepare students for the spring competitions. 

"Not only were the students attending the meeting, but they demonstrated their learning and skill development by earning four awards," Savin said. "The investment in both HORT Club activities and in the judging class and team paid off."

The department's efforts at the regional meeting highlighted its commitment to student success, experiential learning and professional development. Through mentorship, classroom preparation, and support from the Horticulture Club, students gained valuable experience presenting research, competing in academic contests and building professional connections.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture. For more information about Bumpers College, visit our website, and follow us on Twitter at @BumpersCollege and Instagram at BumpersCollege. 

About the Division of Agriculture: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation's historic land grant education system. The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses. Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.