PA Agriculture Secretary Visits DelVal to Highlight Center for Plant Excellence Grant; Dr. Garzon Named to Board

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Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding visited Delaware Valley University President Dr. Ben Rusiloski on Monday, Sept. 29 to share updates on the Commonwealth’s new Center for Plant Excellence and the Center’s first grant opportunity. The new grant program marks its first investment in advancing research, workforce development and industry resilience.

Delaware Valley University’s Dr. Carla D. Garzon, holder of the K.H. Littlefield Endowed Professorship of Plant Science, serves on the Center’s board as its hemp and specialty plant expert. Garzon will play a key role in evaluating grant applications.

Delaware Valley University President Dr. Benjamin E. Rusiloski introduced Secretary Redding and said, “Support from this new grant program is essential for advancing the plant industry. I am honored to welcome you and the Center for Plant Excellence to DelVal’s greenhouse complex where our students and staff have access to the latest greenhouse technology in the industry.” 

“By combining forces of our strongest agriculture producers, and research and teaching institutions, and by bringing cross-sector experts to the table to make strategic investments where the industry needs them most, we can help ensure that Pennsylvania stays cutting edge,” said Secretary Redding.

Under the leadership of Dr. Broc Sandelin, dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Garzon is the first endowed professorship at DelVal. Not only has Garzon been published over 20 times in academic journals, but she has mentored dozens of students in various research projects since joining the DelVal faculty in 2020.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my work is mentoring students who are eager to explore plant science. I’m honored to contribute my expertise in hemp and other specialty crops to a board that is dedicated to advancing research and preparing the next generation of scientists, growers and innovators,” said Garzon.

Incoming students are drawn to DelVal to study under Garzon.

“Choosing to work with Dr. Garzon during my time at DelVal was the best decision I could have made for my career. I made my biggest leaps in learning while researching and she was a great role model and amazing professor with an abundance of knowledge,” said Vincent Petulla ’24.

Garzon’s role with the Center for Plant Excellence reflects the expertise she brings to both her field and her students at DelVal. Through her research, teaching and mentorship, she continues to strengthen DelVal’s reputation in plant science while inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders.

For more information about the new Center for Plant Excellence or the Center’s first grant opportunity, visit https://extension.psu.edu/centers/plant-excellence/grants.