| Academic Departments | Student Services | Alumni | Research | Outreach | Diversity |
|
|
|||||
|
||||||
|
||||||
Smith Named Arboretum Curator
“The Davis Arboretum serves in many ways: teaching, research, outreach, and as a place for a community gathering or solitude. Thus, it calls for an innovative, energetic and dedicated collaborator,” said COSAM Dean Stewart Schneller. “With her experience, vision, and contagious passion for her profession, we were delighted we could bring Dee to the COSAM arboretum. We will all benefit from her efforts.” An Auburn alumna, Smith earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in horticulture. She previously taught herbaceous ornamentals for AU’s horticulture department, then left to manage the gardens at the Callaway Estate, the private Callaway home and historic boxwood garden, which opened to the public in LaGrange, Ga. in 2004. “I was at the Callaway Estate from 1999-2006, and commuted from Opelika during that time,” Smith explained. “Splitting my time the way I did, I really didn’t feel like a part of either community. Having the opportunity to come home and contribute to the arboretum has been wonderful, and I feel I can be a part of, and contribute to, the community in which I live.” Under COSAM’s direction, the arboretum continues to thrive as one of the most beautiful classrooms on campus. The 13.5 acres of the arboretum is home to 515 identified native species, and is the world’s most concise and complete public collection of Alabama’s hundreds of native trees. With an extensive collection of native plants, an abundance of wildlife and an open-air pavilion, it is an ideal place for many types of education. Smith is very enthusiastic about her work at the arboretum, and says she looks forward to working with a number of various groups and departments on campus to ensure that the arboretum continues in its support of research, education and outreach. “The arboretum is a valuable resource for the university,” she said. “There are so many avenues to explore and opportunities to develop; I see so many exciting things in the future of the arboretum.” The arboretum is located only a few hundred yards south of the president’s mansion on the corner of South College and Garden Streets. For more information, contact the arboretum at 334.844.5770. |
Danita (Dee) Smith was recently named curator of the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) Donald E. Davis Arboretum.