7 growers achieve EAGL certifications

Dr. Charlie Hall (Ellison Chair for International Floriculture) has announced the graduation of the eighth cohort (Iota) of the elite Executive Academy for Growth & Leadership (EAGL) program for nursery and greenhouse growers. Seven industry leaders received their Certificate in Applied Horticultural Business Management from Texas A&M University on February 4, 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced this year’s cohort into a series of accommodations, including more intense Zoom-based sessions and physical distancing, testing, masks and outdoor environments when they could meet in person.

This year's students excelled in a challenging environment while also navigating significant adjustments in their own businesses, added EAGL’s Chief Experience Officer Kellee O’Reilly. 

"We were thrilled to be able to host the Capstone module and graduation ceremony at Hill Country Casitas in Dripping Springs, Texas, a property that allowed every student to have their own private casita and had a sizeable outdoor pavilion with a kitchen," O’Reilly said. "Getting our community together safely was our top priority.”