Ohio University Lancaster and Kent State University Salem agreed to offer the Horticulture Technology program locally.

Stanley Jones, director of the associate’s degree program in horticulture at KSU Salem, advises that the green industry in Ohio is expected to experience nearly a 23 percent growth over the next few years.

Careers in the green industry include landscape architecture and design, garden center and nursery management, greenhouse production and management, parks and recreation management (including public gardens and theme park management), professional grounds keeping, turf grass management, and horticulture education and research.

“Plants benefit us physically and psychologically. They are important in our culture and in maintaining ecological balance. We enjoy our gardens and focus on them for nourishment, leisure activities, and visual beauty,” said Jones, who added that gardening is the number one leisure activity in the U.S.

John Furlow, associate dean at the Lancaster Campus, advises that Jones will bring the associate’s degree program to Lancaster if there is sufficient demand. “With the expanding interest in green spaces and landscaping, our greenhouse facilities, and Stan’s enthusiasm and willingness to offer classes here, we’re ready to ‘grow.’”

Students will take some KSU courses via distance learning with local lab support and may complete many other courses, such as chemistry, biology, business, and communication, through the regular schedule at the Lancaster Campus.

For more information please contact Phyllis Lanier, academic advisor, 654.6711 or 888.446.4468, ext. 215.