Paul Thomas, a horticulture professor in UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, was recently named the recipient of the 2017 Alex Laurie Award from the Society of American Florists. He received the award at SAF’s 133rd annual convention in September at The Breakers in Florida. The Laurie Award is presented annually to an individual who has made broad-scope, long lasting contributions to research or education in the floriculture industry.
Thomas currently serves as the UGA Cooperative Extension state specialist in floriculture and conducts research into water conservation, sustainable greenhouse practices and smart greenhouse irrigation systems.
Thomas teaches classes on greenhouse management, horticultural business practices and interiorscaping—landscaping indoors—and he is known for connecting his students with the greenhouse industry internships to help launch their careers.
