McCurdy joins MSU as state turf specialist
The Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station welcomed a new state turf specialist on Jan. 1.
Jay McCurdy is a native of Dyer, Tenn. He worked on his family’s farm, where they raised row crops, cattle and sod. He worked as a golf course superintendent in Hong Kong, China, where he performed research and designed and implemented turf grass evaluation and management techniques.
“Jay has a broad knowledge of turf grass from a sod producer’s perspective as well as a researcher’s perspective,” said Mike Phillips, head of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at MSU. “His expertise will have an immediate impact for sports turf managers, golf course superintendents and homeowners. We are very excited to have him as a member of the turf team at MSU.”
McCurdy earned a bachelor’s degree in plant and soil sciences from the University of Tennessee at Martin and a master’s degree in plant sciences from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He recently received a doctorate in agronomy and soils from Auburn University, where he studied turf grass weed control, herbicide resistance and low maintenance, biologically diverse turf systems.
McCurdy said he looks forward to serving clients and teaching students in MSU’s turf program.
“I am truly excited to be joining a program with such a rich history,” McCurdy said. “I am committed to bringing research-based information to clients and look forward to teaching and guiding future industry leaders.”
McCurdy fills the position vacated by Wayne Wells, who recently retired.
Susan Collins-Smith | MSU Ag Communications
