Dr. David Creech honored for international contributions to horticulture

Dr. David Creech, Stephen F. Austin State University professor emeritus of agriculture and director of SFA Gardens, will receive the 2022 Outstanding International Horticulturist Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science, recognizing his decades-long contributions to international horticultural science, education, research and outreach.

"Working internationally changes a person,” Creech said. “You suddenly realize there are like-minded souls in every culture — folks who love horticulture, crop production and new ways of doing things. The great joy is developing friendships that last a lifetime.”

Creech’s international research and collaboration spans more than four decades across 10 countries. Examples include kiwifruit research and commercialization with cooperators in South Africa, Italy and New Zealand; blueberry production and urban tree research in China; as well as United States Agency for International Development consultancies for fruit and vegetable production in Guatemala and Pakistan. 

“David’s contributions to the field of horticulture, both in the U.S. and abroad, are extensive,” said Dr. Hans Williams, dean of SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture. “His diversity of professional collaborations and research interests have made him a true ambassador for SFA on a global scale.”

Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. Creech will be honored at the society’s 119th annual conference in Chicago.