Making Life Better

Turfgrass Management Major

Photo: David Fleming David Fleming loves golf and he loves the Bulldogs. As a University of Georgia student on the Athens campus, he's enjoying being a college student and a "Dawg" fan. He hopes his love of golf and his UGA CAES turfgrass management degree will help him land his dream job as a golf course superintendent.

David's Student Profile

Name: David Alexander Fleming
Hometown: Watkinsville, GA
Year: Third year
Major: Turfgrass Management major,
Agribusiness minor
Expected graduation date: December 2008

Q&A with David

What made you choose to attend UGA?

I chose UGA because of my love for the Bulldogs and Athens as a city.

How many times have you changed your major? What made you settle on your current major?

I have been a turfgrass management major throughout my career here at UGA. I chose my major based on my love for the game of golf and desire to work in the outdoors.

What exposure did you have to agriculture before coming to CAES?

The only exposure I have had to agriculture is that my mom's dad and brothers are potato farmers in Florida.

What's your favorite class and why?

My favorite class is Dr. (Keith) Karnok's 4090 Advanced Turfgrass Science. The class is conversation-oriented which allows for me to get more out of it.

Which CAES instructor has been the most influential?

Dr. (Keith) Karnok has been the most influential because he has shown me the passion that it takes to be successful in the turfgrass industry.

What's the most important thing you've learned this year?

The most important thing that I have learned this year is to never take anything for granted. Anything can happen for a variety of reasons at any moment.

What's one thing you're always sure to take to class?

Focus.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Working for a golf course in the Eastern U.S. as an assistant superintendent.

What's the strangest or coolest thing that's happened to you at UGA?

The coolest thing I have experienced at UGA is the connections that I have made and discovered with peers and elders just by taking a little bit of initiative.

Favorite thing to do outside class:

I enjoy being outdoors and hanging out with my friends.

Best advice for incoming freshmen:

Have fun! In the meantime find something that you like to do and something that seems like you don’t have to work hard at in order to be good.

Biggest pet peeve about UGA:

My biggest pet peeve about UGA is classes not being offered, or not being spread out between fall and spring semesters. Just about all of the classes in the turfgrass major are only offered in the fall, which makes it almost impossible to graduate in 4 years.

One thing about yourself that sets you apart:

Initiative.