Dr. Larry Stein selected for high-level campus award
Dr. Larry Stein
Texas A&M and The Association of Former Students awarded Stein with the 2021 Distinguished Achievement.
Both the President’s Meritorious Service Awards and the Distinguish Achievement Awards are given to faculty and staff who exhibit the highest level of standards for excellence at Texas A&M. In all, 25 individual staff members, two supervisors, and two teams were selected for their meritorious service to Texas A&M. Each individual recipient receives a $1,000 award, a commemorative plaque, and lapel pin.
“We are proud of each of these faculty and staff members for receiving these prestigious awards honoring their tremendous efforts and exemplary service on behalf of Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife,” said Patrick J. Stover, Ph.D., vice chancellor of Texas A&M AgriLife, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research.
Distinguished Achievement Award
Awarded 2021 Distinguished Achievement Award, Stein was honored for Extension, Outreach, Continuing Education and Professional Development. He is a longtime AgriLife Extension horticulture specialist who is universally recognized as a world-class authority in pecan production.
From his time as a student at Texas A&M to his long career with Texas AgriLife, Stein has made pecans a priority. His accomplishments in research include leading or beating a part of studies focused on many pecan management practices or issues, including Cottom Root Rot, grafting, pecan weevil, irrigation systems, nitrogen applications, and shuck disorders. Stein has not only conducted research work on these topics, but he has also diligently disseminated relevant information to growers, giving them better tools for producing pecans. Sharing his knowledge Stein continues to spend extensive time educating and assisting pecan growers through programs like the Texas Pecan Short Course, the Texas Pecan Show, and industry events and conferences. Additionally, he has contributed regularly to Pecan South since the 1980s.
Stein’s contributions through applied research and educational programming have kept Texas pecan growers competitive in the marketplace, according to the nomination.
“His love of horticulture, his desire to see people succeed in horticulture. and his passion for teaching have all combined to make him one of the most successful AgriLife Extension people we know,” said an industry stakeholder who nominated Stein.
In a support letter for his nomination, the Texas Pecan Growers Association extolled Stein’s accomplishments in research and contributions to the industry. The letter also emphasized that his impact goes well beyond research.
“As wonderful accomplishments as those are, I believe Dr. Larry Stein’s greatest impact has been always being a trusted resource for everyone in the pecan industry and beyond. His knowledge and ability to effectively communicate to anyone cannot be understated,” TPGA’s executive director wrote. “Pecan growers go to him and leave with a better understanding of pecan production. The pecan industry goes to him and knows they have an ally with the Texas A&M System. I go to him because I know he will be someone to share ideas and plans with for the advancement of my own professional work and that of the industry. He has always been a voice for the Texas pecan industry and continues to be.”
