LSU AgCenter weed scientist named to endowed cotton research chair

• By Olivia McClure •

daniel stephenson
Daniel Stephenson

Daniel Stephenson, a Louisiana State University AgCenter weed scientist, has been named to the Jack Hamilton Chair in Cotton Production, effective Feb. 1.

Stephenson has been with the AgCenter since 2008 and is based at the Dean Lee Research and Extension Center near Alexandria. His work focuses on identifying effective weed control strategies in row crops, including cotton.

The Hamilton chair is associated with a $1 million endowment that helps support research, faculty travel, support staff salaries and technology transfer projects.

“Dr. Stephenson is a highly deserving recipient of the Jack Hamilton Chair in Cotton Production,” said Mike Salassi, LSU AgCenter associate vice president. “He is a very productive researcher who is not only highly respected by his peers for his extensive research program in the area of weed science, but is also highly regarded by producers for his work in addressing the production issues and challenges faced by cotton producers in the state. His research program incorporates the production of cotton within multiple cropping production systems in order to provide comprehensive and sustainable recommendations to producers.”

The chair is funded by $600,000 in donations from the cotton industry plus $400,000 from the Louisiana Board of Regents. It is a memorial to Jack Hamilton, a Lake Providence farmer and ginner who was a major figure in the Louisiana and U.S. cotton industry before his death in 2001.

The holder of the chair must be vetted by the Board of Regents and demonstrate excellence in research aimed at improving the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the Louisiana cotton industry.

Over the course of his career, Stephenson has written or contributed to more than 200 publications and earned more than $1 million in grant funding.

“Mr. Hamilton’s passion for and achievements in the cotton industry are awe-inspiring,” Stephenson said. “I am honored and humbled to receive the Jack Hamilton Chair in Cotton Production.”

Olivia McClure is assistant communications specialist. She may be reached at omcclure@agcenter.lsu.edu

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