University of Georgia Honors Parrott and Rhodes as 2026 Professors

The University of Georgia has recognized two distinguished faculty members, Wayne Parrott and Olin E. Rhodes Jr., as its 2026 University Professors. This prestigious title acknowledges their significant contributions to the university and their fields, marking an important milestone in their academic careers.

Impactful Contributions to Education and Research

Wayne Parrott, a Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, has been instrumental in advancing educational programs at UGA. He has taught for nearly 40 years and co-founded one of the university’s earliest study abroad initiatives, the Agroecology of Tropical America, in the mid-1990s. This program was pivotal in enhancing global learning opportunities for students at UGA.

In addition to his teaching, Parrott has played a crucial role in developing master’s and doctoral programs in plant breeding, genetics, and genomics. These initiatives were launched in response to a recognized shortage of trained professionals in the United States, as identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Since becoming the director of the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics in 2022, Parrott has overseen substantial growth, with the institute now hosting over 60 graduate students and striving to become the top program in the nation by the end of the decade.

Parrott expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Many of the activities I’ve undertaken have allowed me to get out of my laboratory and apply those experiences to student training, ensuring that the education they receive really does prepare them for real-world needs.”

Strengthening Environmental Research at UGA

Meanwhile, Olin E. Rhodes Jr., serving as the UGA Athletic Association Professor of Applied Ecology and director of the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), has made remarkable strides in environmental research. Under Rhodes’ leadership for the past 14 years, SREL has grown significantly, increasing its staff from 46 to 202 members and expanding the number of graduate students from six to 82.

SREL, located at the U.S. Department of Energy‘s Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina, plays a critical role in evaluating the environmental impacts of nuclear activities. Rhodes has developed a productive partnership with the Department of Energy, which has resulted in a remarkable 600% increase in external funding for the laboratory.

Reflecting on his achievement, Rhodes stated, “I have a long history with this great academic institution over my career, and this recognition of my contributions is both personally and professionally rewarding.”

Both Parrott and Rhodes will receive a permanent salary increase of $10,000 along with annual academic support of $5,000 as part of their new titles. Nominations for this honor come from the deans of UGA’s various schools and colleges and are evaluated by a committee before being recommended to the senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.

These appointments not only highlight the individual accomplishments of Parrott and Rhodes but also reflect the University of Georgia’s commitment to fostering excellence in teaching, research, and service. For further information on the University Professorships and a full list of past recipients, visit the official UGA website.