Dr. Carrie Rowe, Acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education | Pennsylvania Department Of Education
Pennsylvania's agriculture sector is focusing on workforce development and innovation through the newly established Center for Plant Excellence. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Delaware Valley University President Dr. Benjamin Rusiloski recently met to observe how educational programs in horticulture and plant science are preparing students for future roles in the state's $132.5 billion agriculture industry.
Secretary Redding stated, "The Center for Plant Excellence will enhance Pennsylvania's global competitiveness by supporting invaluable learning opportunities like those Delaware Valley University offers to give students critical thinking skills and research and practical experience employers need. By combining the expertise of our world-class research and teaching institutions, with that of leaders across the plant sector, we hope to make strategic investments where the industry needs them most and help ensure that Pennsylvania continues to be a national leader."
The Center for Plant Excellence, which began operations in March 2025 under the Shapiro Administration, aims to support strategic investment in education and collaboration among research institutions and plant industry leaders. The board includes Dr. Carla D. Garzon from Delaware Valley University as well as representatives from forestry, landscaping, nursery businesses, public gardens, orchards, vineyards, and tree farms.
Other speakers at the event included Dr. Gloria Oikelome (Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs), Miranda Harple (Director of the Pennsylvania Center for Plant Excellence), along with Secretary Redding and Dr. Rusiloski.
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