Davis College
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Students of West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design have named Todd West, an assistant professor of horticulture, outstanding adviser for 2009-10.

Sponsored by the Davis College Student Council, nominations for the award are sought from the student body each spring. The Council then narrows the field to five nominees and has the students vote by online ballot for their top choice.

A member of the college faculty since 2004, West began advising undergraduate students in 2008. He teaches plant propagation, garden center management and plant tissue culture, as well as the popular “Vines to Wines” course. His research interests include propagation of medicinal and native plants, small fruit production and aquaponics.

On his nomination form, Matt Berger, a sophomore horticulture major, said West is often available after class to answer student questions, as well as ensuring he has a variety of time slots available to meet with students about scheduling courses.

“I have taken three classes from Professor West,” Berger wrote. “All of them have been fun and some of the classes I look forward to during the week. He is very enthusiastic and encourages you. This among other things makes him the best teacher I have had.”

Along with the honor of being named outstanding adviser, West received a wooden replica of the Mountaineer statue.