Bonnie Johnson
July 17, 2025
Media ArticleDouglas Karcher is reappointed as professor and chair of the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). His second term will run from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029, pending approval by the university’s Board of Trustees.
Karcher, an alumnus of Ohio State, has served as department chair since 2021. He previously worked at the University of Arkansas, where he held several leadership roles, including interim assistant director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and assistant head of the Department of Horticulture. His academic career began in 2000 as an assistant professor, and he was promoted to professor in 2016.
“We are excited to continue benefiting from Dr. Karcher’s thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to our land-grant mission,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES. “His work to build a cohesive departmental identity, elevate our research and academic programs and foster meaningful stakeholder engagement has been invaluable.”
Karcher earned his bachelor's degree in agronomy from Ohio State in 1994, followed by a master’s degree and doctorate in crop and soil sciences from Michigan State University.
During his second term, Karcher plans to strengthen departmental identity, enhance research programs, and increase engagement with OSU Extension. He also aims to support academic sustainability and align with college goals.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and privilege to continue leading the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science for another four years,” said Karcher. He highlights hiring 13 new faculty members and now plans to focus on “expanding the impact of our teaching, research and OSU Extension programs, and to further establish ourselves as a global leader in the discipline.”
Karcher also plans to grow student enrollment, launch an online master’s degree, and build strong partnerships with alumni and industry stakeholders. His research focuses on turfgrass quality and sustainable practices, including digital imaging techniques now widely used in turfgrass research.
Photo by: cfaes.osu.edu
