Marcus Duck named recipient of 2019 Excellence in Education Award
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA (July 9, 2019) — The Irrigation Association is excited to announce that Marcus Duck of Michigan State University has been named the recipient of the 2019 Excellence in Education Award. This award recognizes a person who teaches irrigation, water management and/or water conservation in affiliation with a two- or four-year institution and has a commitment to not only elevating the level of education but also promoting the field of irrigation as a viable and sustainable career to students.
Duck joined Michigan State University in 2002 and currently serves as an advisor and instructor in the department of horticulture. In addition to his duties as an instructor, Duck also serves as the program coordinator for the department’s two-year certificate programs, which include the Fruit, Vegetable and Organic Horticulture Management Certificate and the Landscape and Nursery Management Certificate.
“Very few people can make irrigation education as fun and as interesting to college students as Marcus Duck,” said IA CEO Deborah Hamlin, CAE, FASAE. “During his tenure at Michigan State, Marcus has not only promoted efficient irrigation through education but he also exposes his students to real-world industry insights and opportunities that many students throughout the United States do not receive.”
Duck’s commitment to excellence in education extends beyond East Lansing, Michigan. He is a regular attendee and contributor to the IA’s Faculty Academy as well as the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ National Collegiate Landscape Competition. Through these partnerships, Duck affords the opportunity for his students to have unique access to industry information and knowledge, thus setting his students up for success in the field of irrigation.
“I’m honored to receive this award from the Irrigation Association,” Duck said. “I’m grateful I get to wake up every day and do something I love. I’d like to thank my family, Michigan State University Department of Horticulture, my amazing students and everyone else I’ve worked with to educate our next generation of irrigation leaders.”
The Excellence in Education Award will be presented to Duck during the general session of the Irrigation Show and Education Week in Las Vegas on Thursday, Dec. 5. More information about this and other IA awards and past recipients can be found at www.irrigation.org/awards.