Curt Richard Rom
Curriculum Vita1
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
2005-Present: Professor, Department of Horticulture; Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and
Life Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR.
Appointment Date: July, 1989; Tenured July, 1993. Recent Promotion: 2005
Average appointment last five years: 0.45 - 0.65 FTE Instruction, 0.25 - 0.45FTE Research,
.10FTE Service.
1989-2005: Associate Professor, Pomology, Department of Horticulture; Dale Bumpers College of
Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, University of Arkansas.
1984-1989: Assistant Professor/Assistant Horticulturist-Pomology, Department of Horticulture and
Landscape Architecture, Washington State University, Pullman, WA.
1980-1984: Graduate Research Associate, Department of Horticulture, The Ohio State University.
1982:
Instructor, Department of Horticulture, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
EDUCATION:
 Ph.D. 1984. The Ohio State University. Horticulture and Crop Physiology.
 M.S. Horticulture. 1982 The Ohio State University. Horticulture
 B.S.Ag. 1980. University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR; Field of Study: Horticulture; minor in
business management.
Additional Training and Education:
 ESCOP/ACOP Leadership Training and Development Program, 1993.
SIGNIFICANT AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:
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1
John and Lois Imhoff Award for Outstanding Instruction and Student Mentorship recognition
award (runner-up), University of Arkansas, 2009, 2010.
Fulbright Fellow, Senior Lecturer, 2008; Fulbright Foundation and the Council for the
International Exchange of Scholars; US-Italy Fulbright Commission;
Adjunct Faculty, Lecturer the Agripolis, University of Padova; Padova, Italy
Shepherd Award for Outstanding Publication, Journal of the American Pomological Society, 2006
Shepherd Award for Outstanding Publication, Journal of the American Pomological Society, 2005.
Certificate of Merit, USDA Higher Education Outstanding Educator, 2005.
Outstanding Educator Career Award, American Society for Horticultural Science, 2003.
Honor Award of Excellence in Group Research, USDA, for Contributions to the NE-183National
Project, Multidisciplinary Research of Apple Cultivars, 2003.
Andrew Lucas Alumni Service Award, University of Arkansas Alumni Association, 2002.
Distinguished Service Citation Award, American Pomological Society. 2002.
L.M. Ware Distinguished Career Teaching Award, Southern Region American Society for
Horticultural Science, 2001.
John White Outstanding Teacher Award, Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food and Life
Sciences, University of Arkansas, 2001.
Teaching Award of Merit, National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture, 2001.
Updated December, 2010
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Teaching Award of Merit, Gamma Sigma Delta, Agriculture Honorary, University of Arkansas,
1996.
Award of Teaching Excellence, Teaching Academy, University of Arkansas, 1996.
Service Award, Arkansas State Horticultural Society, 1993.
Recognition Award, Arkansas State Horticultural Society, 1992.
Outstanding Teacher, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Washington State
University, 1988.
OECD Research Fellowship, East Malling Research Station, England. 1986.
International Agriculture Center Fellow, Wageningen, Netherlands, 1986.
Graduate Alumni Research Award, The Ohio State University for outstanding dissertation
research. 1985.
U.P. Hedrick Award, American Pomological Society, 1984.
Vaille,-Watts Award for Outstanding Senior in Horticulture, Univ. of Arkansas. 1980.
Honor Societies
 The Teaching Academy, University of Arkansas - Fellow (1996); President (2004-2006).
 Gamma Sigma Delta (since 1980)
 Served as Chapter Treasurer (1995), Vice President (1996), Interim-President (1997), President
(1998)
 Alpha Zeta (since 1995)
 Sigma Xi (since 1985)
 Served as Chapter Secretary (1988), Vice President (1989), President elect (1989)
TEACHING AND ADVISING EXPERIENCE:
Classes Taught: 1984-1989 (WSU); 4 courses, 23 classes and laboratories instructed; ∼ 450 students; 1989 2010 (UA): 23 courses, 111 classes and laboratories, ∼ ca. 1800 students
Average Class Evaluations on Core Items, 1994-2008: 4.6 core means (of 5.0, Purdue Evaluation of
Teaching); 87% of scores > 4.1; class evaluations rank consistently in top 5-10% of all classes taught
in the University and College; top 1% of courses taught in the Department.
Average Undergraduate Student Advising, last 5 years: 18 students
Courses Routinely Taught: HORT 1103 Plants in the Home Environment – A survey of horticulture;
HORT 2003 Principles of Horticultural Science; HORT 3901 Horticultural Career and
Professional Development; HORT 3503 Sustainable and Organic Horticulture; HORT 4103 Fruit
Production Science; HORT 401v Community, Institutional, and School Gardening Management.
Honors Program Instructor: serve as an instructor in the cross-disciplinary Honors College in the
Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences; Honors Committee Member
Global Studies Minor Degree Program in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences Instructor (2006/2007);
Global Studies Program Committee (2007-present).
Environmental Dynamics Graduate Program - Faculty (2005-present).
Advisor, GroGreen (2006-Present). The Student Organic Farm Cooperative. Registered Student
Organization of the UA for learning and practicing sustainable and organic crop production.
Member of Fayetteville Farmers’ Market. Have received $4500 in grants from the Associated
Student Government to develop facilities and programs of the organization.
Advisor, Horticulture Club (1991-1994; 1997-2002). Received award for Best Horticulture Club in the
Southern Region; received award for Best Horticulture Club in the US (twice), by the American
Society for Horticultural Science; recognized as the outstanding Registered Student Organization of
the University of Arkansas. Produced plants and managed plant sale (revenues for operations and
scholarships exceeded $50,000), and garden show/plant clinic. Recognized by the Registered
Students Organization as Best Student Organization on the UA Campus.
Horticulture Department Internship Program Coordinator: 1996-Present; oversee approximately 10 student
internships per year.
Study-Tour Leader: Agriculture Study Tours to Washington/Oregon (1998); Pennsylvania/New
Jersey/Maryland (1999); Missouri (2000); Scotland/England (2002); Italy (2007), China (2010).
GRADUATE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE:
Completed Degrees: Master’s of Science: 11 students; Doctor of Philosophy: 5 students.
Currently Advising: Master of Science: 1 student; Doctor of Philosophy: 2 students.
Served on Advising Committees: Master of Science: 31 students; Doctor of Philosophy: 9 students.
-Have served as advisor for 5 international visiting scientists with stays ranging from 6 to 12 months
CURRENT RESARCH EMPHASES AND PROJECTS
 Fruit Crop Development, Management, and Physiology
o Arkansas Apple Selections Evaluations
o Rootstocks for Fruit Crops
o Fruit Crop Cultivar Development
 Sustainable and Organic Fruit Production Systems
o The interaction of ground cover management and nutrient source on performance of an
organic apple orchard
 High Tunnel Technologies for Season Extension and Alternate Season Production
 Local Food Systems
o Farmers’ Market Promotion Program; Northwest Arkansas Farmers Market Alliance
o Mapping the Arkansas Foodshed
SCHOLARSHIP: PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS
Summary
 Book Chapters: 11
 Edited volumes: 1
 Refereed Journal Publications: 70
 Reviewed and/or Edited Technical Papers: 63
 Published Abstracts and Professional Presentations: 143
 Conference Papers, Published Presentations, Proceedings, Technical publications: 58
 Extension Bulletins: 4
 Proprietary Reports: 33
 Encyclopedia entries: 2
 Articles for Commodity Magazines and Grower Newsletters: 30
 Invited presentations to trade or industry groups, organizations, or academic programs not
resulting in a publication: 188
RECENT GRANTS AND CONTRACTS
2010
 Using High Tunnel Technology for the Production of High Value Specialty Crops to Capture
Markets. USDA-SCRI $4.98m . Project Collaborator/Co-PI (with MSU, LSU, Texas A&M, U of
A, Uconn). (not funded)
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2009
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Using High Tunnel Technology for Sustainable Organic Production of High Value Crops. USDAOAREI. $3.0m. Project Coordinator/Director/PI. ). (not funded)
The Northwest Arkansas Food Alliance: Improving Marketing Programs and Coordination for
farmers markets and producers. USDA-FMA program. $25,000. Co-PI.
Management of Blackberries and Raspberries in High Tunnels; synchrony of yield and effect of
environment on fruit quality and nutritional properties. USDA-OREI. $1.054m. Project leader.
(not funded)
US-China partnership for strengthening research, education and extension in season extension
production and marketing. USDA. $45,000 Project Co-Leader/Collaborator (with MSU); funded
Developing a Strategic Vision and Roadmap for Specialty Crops in Arkansas. USDA-SCRI.
$50,000. Project Leader. (not funded)
Using High Tunnel Technology for the Production of High Value Specialty Crops to Capture
Markets. USDA-SCRI $3.3m . Project Collaborator (with MSU, LSU, Uconn). (not funded)
2008
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Networking strategies to promote and improve the Farmers’ Market Experience in Arkansas and
the Region. USDA-NFMS. $25,000 Project Leader.
The Effects of Low Temperature on Flower Formation and Fruit Development in Primocanefruiting Raspberries and Blackberries for High Tunnel Production. North American Bramble
Growers Association. $2200. Project Leader.
Pruning Primocane-fruiting blackberry for yield synchrony and delay in high tunnel
production.Southeastern Small Fruit Consortium. $5000. Project Leader
2007
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Using High Tunnels to Improve Organic Berry Farming Profitability. Organic Farm Research
Foundation. $38,000. Project Leader
2006
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Extended-Season Organic Berry Production with High Tunnel Technologies for Improved Farm
Sustainability and Profitability. USDA-CSREES - IOP. $390,000. Project leader.
2005
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Best Practices for Organic Orchard Nutrition Management. USDA CSREES - SARE-SR:
$200,000. Project leader.
2004
The SE US Organic Fruit Initiative
USDA CSREES - SARE. $15,500. Project Leader.
Organic Pest Management Strategies for Tree Fruits in the Southern Region. USDA CRSEES - SRIPM. $10,000. Co Project Leader.
Organic Fruit Production for the South. Gerber Products Co., Novartis. $30,000. Project Leader.
Impact of Potential Organic Pesticides and Potential Fruit Crop Load Regulators on Photosynthesis
and Growth of Apple USDA CSREES-SARE. $10,000. Graduate Advisor.
Alternative Crop Load Management Strategies. WA Tree Fruit Research Commission, $10,000.
Project leader.
2003
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Alternative Thinning Strategies for Apple.
Project Leader.
WA Tree Fruit Research Commission. $10,000.
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Support for Organic Orchard Research. Gerber Products, Novartis.
Leader.
$30,000. Project
2002
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Alternative Thinning Strategies for Apples.
WA Tree Fruit Research Commission. $10,000.
Project Leader.
Thinning Strategies for Apple Organic Farm Research Foundation.
$5400. Project Leader.
Organic apple research. Colorado Crop Management Association $1000 Project Leader.
Organic alternatives for orchard ground cover management in Colorado Nature Safe, LLC$18,000. Cooperator.
On farm cover crops for fertility in organic fruit production systems. Organic Farm Research
Foundation.
$9000. Cooperator.
On farm cover crops for fertility in organic fruit production systems. Colorado Dept of
Agriculture.
$48,000. Cooperator.
2001
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Organic fruit thinning strategies. Organic Farm Research Foundation. $7,400. Project Leader.
Alternatives for fruit thinning. Gerber Products, Novartis.
$5,000. Project Leader.
Effects of alternative and organic weed management systems in Colorado orchards. Organic Farm
Research Foundation. $9,000. Cooperator
Significant Professional Service and Leadership: (last 10 years; not inclusive)
Professional Societies
 USDA-CSREES, Institutional Academic Review team; Purdue University (2011); Univ. of
Vermont (2001; West Virginia University (2003); Oregon State University (2006)
 Treasurer, American Society for Horticultural Science, 2010-2012
 Vice President, American Society for Horticultural Science, 1999-2002.
 American Pomological Society, President, 2000-2002; Advisory Committee, 2004-2007; Executive
Committee 2008-2011.
 Associate Editor, Journal of ASHS, 2000-2003.
 ASHS Working Group Chair: Pomology Working Group; Teaching Methods Working Group;
Local Food Systems Working Group
 ASHS National Colloquium Director/Coordinator: Local, National, Global: The Impacts of Local
Foods; Metrics of Sustainability; Horticulture Higher Education for the 21st Century.
 ASHS Investment Trustee, 2004-2009; Chair 2009.
 ASHS Technical Program Committee, 2002-2007,
 SR-ASHS, Teaching and Education Section, Chair, 2005.
 International Society for Horticultural Sciences, Co-Chair/Coordinator for International
Horticultural Congress symposium on Knowledge Development, Acquisition and Scholarship,
2002. Editor Acta Horticulturae, 641.
University of Arkansas
Campus
 Honorary Degrees Committee, 2008-2011; chair 2009/2010
 Scholarship Standards and Review Committee, 2010-2012.
 Advisory Board, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Division of Student Services2007-2010
 University Diversity Council, 2005-2008
 Chair of Campus Council, 2004/2005.
 Chair of Faculty Senate, 2003/2004.
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Chair of Campus Faculty, 2002/2003.
Faculty Senate; AFLS Senator or Senator at-large, 2000-2010
Chair, Campus Task Force to Reduce the Excessive Consumption of Alcohol and Narcotics.
1999/2001.
Co-chair Campus Committee on Diversity and Institutional Education, task force2005-2007,
Chair, Campus Task Force to evaluate and revise Policy on Academic Standing, 2001
Campus Baum Teaching Workshop; co-chair and presenter; 2001, 2009; chair, 2005
2004-2006 President, University Teaching Academy
Teaching Academy Executive Committee; Nominations and Elections Committee, Chair, 20072010
Editorial Board, Inquiry Journal of Undergraduate Research, 2006-2009
Undergraduate Research Award Review Committee, 2001-2009.
Campus Faculty Executive and Agenda Committee, 2002-2007.
Current Campus Committee Assignments: Committee on Committees; Library Committee;
Scholarship Review Committee; Campus Annual Fund Drive Committee (co-chair)
College
 Chair, Program and Curriculum Efficiency and Realignment Task Force. 2009
 Bumpers College Committee on Appointment Promotion and Tenure2005- 2007
 College Honors Studies Committee, 2007-2012
 Global Studies Program Faculty Committee2008-2010
 Committee on International Programs, 2007-2008
 Dean’s Task Force on College Curriculum Review, 2007-2008
 Dean’s Task Force to participate in BANR “Summit on Leadership for Agriculture Higher
Education”; National Academies of Science, 2007-2008
 Curriculum Committee; Secretary (2006); Chair (2007) 2001-2007; 2008-2010
 Dean’s Task Force on Curriculum, 2004
 Dean’s Task Force on Undergraduate Academic Progress, 2003
 Dean’ Task Force on GNAG-MS, NonThesis Master Program, 2002-2003
 Dean’s Committee on College Teaching and Advising Excellence, 1997-2001
 Advising Committee, 1997-2002
 2007-2010 Outstanding Dissertation Selection Committee, ASHS So-Reg; 2007-2010, Chair (2010)
Significant Professional Service and Leadership: (last 10 years; not inclusive)
Professional Societies
 USDA-CSREES, Institutional Academic Review team; Purdue University (2011); Univ. of
Vermont (2001; West Virginia University (2003); Oregon State University (2006)
 Vice President, American Society for Horticultural Science, 1999-2002.
 Treasurer, American Society for Horticultural Science, 2010-2012
 American Pomological Society, President, 2000-2002; Advisory Committee, 2004-2007; Executive
Committee 2008-2011.
 Associate Editor, Journal of ASHS, 2000-2003.
 ASHS Working Group Chair: Pomology Working Group; Teaching Methods Working Group;
Local Food Systems Working Group
 ASHS National Colloquium Director/Coordinator: Local, National, Global: The Impacts of
Local Foods; Metrics of Sustainability; Horticulture Higher Education for the 21st Century.
 ASHS Investment Trustee, 2004-2009; Chair 2009.
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ASHS Technical Program Committee, 2002-2007,
SR-ASHS, Teaching and Education Section, Chair, 2005.
International Society for Horticultural Sciences, Co-Chair/Coordinator for International
Horticultural Congress symposium on Knowledge Development, Acquisition and Scholarship,
2002. Editor Acta Horticulturae, 641.
University of Arkansas
Campus
 Honorary Degrees Committee, 2008-2011; chair 2009/2010
 Scholarship Standards and Review Committee, 2010-2012.
 Advisory Board, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Division of Student Services2007-2010
 University Diversity Council, 2005-2008
 Chair of Campus Council, 2004/2005.
 Chair of Faculty Senate, 2003/2004.
 Chair of Campus Faculty, 2002/2003.
 Faculty Senate; AFLS Senator or Senator at-large, 2000-2010
 Chair, Campus Task Force to Reduce the Excessive Consumption of Alcohol and Narcotics.
1999/2001.
 Co-chair Campus Committee on Diversity and Institutional Education, task force2005-2007,
 Chair, Campus Task Force to evaluate and revise Policy on Academic Standing, 2001
 Campus Baum Teaching Workship; co-chair and presenter; 2001, 2009; chair, 2005
 2004-2006 President, University Teaching Academy
 Teaching Academy Executive Committee; Nominations and Elections Committee, Chair, 20072010
 Editorial Board, Inquiry Journal of Undergraduate Research, 2006-2009
 Undergraduate Research Award Review Committee, 2001-2009.
 Campus Faculty Executive and Agenda Committee, 2002-2007.
Current Campus Committee Assignments: Committee on Committees; Library Committee;
Scholarship Review Committee; Campus Annual Fund Drive Committee (co-chair)
College
 Chair, Program and Curriculum Efficiency and Realignment Task Force. 2009
 Bumpers College Committee on Appointment Promotion and Tenure2005- 2007
 College Honors Studies Committee, 2007-2012
 Global Studies Program Faculty Committee2008-2010
 Committee on International Programs, 2007-2008
 Dean’s Task Force on College Curriculum Review, 2007-2008
 Dean’s Task Force to participate in BANR “Summit on Leadership for Agriculture Higher
Education”; National Academies of Science, 2007-2008
 Curriculum Committee; Secretary (2006); Chair (2007) 2001-2007; 2008-2010
 Dean’s Task Force on Curriculum, 2004
 Dean’s Task Force on Undergraduate Academic Progress, 2003
 Dean’ Task Force on GNAG-MS, NonThesis Master Program, 2002-2003
 Dean’s Committee on College Teaching and Advising Excellence, 1997-2001
 Advising Committee, 1997-2002
 2007-2010 Outstanding Dissertation Selection Committee, ASHS So-Reg; 2007-2010, Chair (2010)
Complete Vita available upon request <[email protected]>