The Irrigation Association Education Foundation is inviting agriculture, horticulture, turf and landscaping industry instructors and educators to the eighth annual Faculty Academy, June 23-25 in Riverside, Calif.

IA Education Foundation invites educators to eighth Faculty Academy

The Irrigation Association Education Foundation is inviting agriculture, horticulture, turf and landscaping industry instructors and educators to the eighth annual Faculty Academy, June 23-25 in Riverside, Calif.


This two-day event offers instruction in irrigation concepts and techniques, as well as recommendations for teaching these to students. Attendees will network with their peers, discover ways to enhance their curriculum and learn about irrigation careers in order to better counsel students. An optional one-day, pre-Academy training session on irrigation auditing will also be offered. For all sessions, registration costs and most meals are underwritten by the Foundation.


Eligible attendees should:

Serve as faculty or an instructor at a college, university or technical college.
Teach irrigation principles in at least one lecture, class or course.
Instruct in the areas of turf, landscape, golf, horticulture, agriculture or other irrigation-related programs.

“The IAEF Faculty Academy was established to help educators not only teach irrigation principles but also gain a greater understanding of those principles themselves,” said Lynda Wightman, chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Foundation volunteers and staff often speak with instructors who understand the growing importance of irrigation but may lack personal experience or the tools and resources they need to teach it.”


Wightman and several industry professionals, academics and IAEF staff will serve as instructors and speakers for the Academy. Presenters include:

Lynda Wightman, industry relations manager of Hunter Industries (chair, IAEF Board of Trustees)
Brian Vinchesi, president, Irrigation Consulting, Inc. (IAEF Board of Trustees)
Craig Borland, product manager, The Toro Company
Tom Penning, president, Irrometer
Ken Phillips, president, Yardney Water Management
Dr. Cathie Lavis, assistant professor of landscape management, Kansas State University (IAEF Board of Trustees)
Brent Mecham, industry development director, IAEF and IA

Classroom instruction includes hands-on training and photo opportunities; the group will tour Toro, Irrometer and Yardney Water Management facilities.


The Foundation underwrites the registration costs and most meals for educators; travel grants are still available and grant applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Details, registration and grant forms are available at www.iaef.org/academy.htm