Title: Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs
Company: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical (A&M) University
Location: Tallahassee, Florida, United States
Dr. Robert W. Taylor, PhD, dean and director of land grant programs at Florida A&M University, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in soil and environmental chemistry.
With nearly five decades of experience to his credit, Dr. Taylor has excelled as a professional in the field of soil and environmental chemistry. Currently a professor of soil and environmental chemistry at Florida A&M University since 2023, he is dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of soil science.
Prior to this position, he was active as the dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences and director of Land Grant Programs at Florida A&M University from 2012 to 2023. In this role, he oversaw all aspects of research, teaching, growth, and multiple experimental sites. Previously, he served as the dean of the School of Agriculture at Alabama A&M University from 1982 to 2012, where he significantly contributed to the growth and development of the institution’s agricultural programs.
Dr. Taylor began his career as a senior agronomist and soil scientist at the Bahamas Research Extension Center from 1977 to 1979, and subsequently worked as a researcher at Tennessee State University from 1979 to 1982. Additionally, he has contributed to the academic community as an associate editor for the soil chemistry division of the Soil Science Society of America Journal from 2009 to 2014.
Before embarking on his professional path, Dr. Taylor pursued an education at Tuskegee University, earning a Bachelor of Science in agronomy with a concentration in soil science and a minor in chemistry, graduating summa cum laude in 1970. He continued his academic efforts at Michigan State University, obtaining a Master of Science in soil microbiology in 1972. He concluded his studies at Michigan State University with a PhD in soil and environmental chemistry in 1977.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Taylor serves as an advisory board member for the Center for Biological Control and vice chair for the Tallahassee Urban League. He has also contributed to the community as a volunteer youth soccer coach from 1982 to 1992 and worked as a member for the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics advisory board, the Forestry Research Advisory Council, and the Delaware Environmental Institute. He also remains affiliated with various organizations, including the American Society of Agronomy, and the Soil Science Society of America, and the Soil Science Society of America as the chair of the soil chemistry division from 2002 to 2003.
Dr. Taylor was notably one of the first two individuals to receive doctoral degrees in agriculture in the Bahamas and became the first person in the country to undertake a comprehensive study on Bahamian soil. In light of his impressive undertakings, he has earned various accolades. He was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the National Science Foundation and recognized as a Fellow of the Food Systems Leadership Institute in 2010.
Additionally, Dr. Taylor received the 1890 Morrison-Evans Outstanding Research Award in 2003, was recognized as a Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America in 2002, and was inducted into the Bahamas Science and Technology Hall of Fame in 2002. He also received the 20th Century Agricultural Development International Award in Hisar, India, in 2000, was recognized as a Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy in 2000, and was honored as a Caribbean Icon in Science and Technology.
Throughout Dr. Taylor’s career, one highlight that stood out the most was his significant contributions as a research scientist while also fulfilling his leadership responsibilities. His efforts were instrumental in acquiring the largest land decretal to an 1890 historically black school in the nation. In particular, his leadership played a vital role in Florida A&M University’s acquisition of 3,800 acres of land at Brooksville from the USDA.
Dr. Taylor attributes his success to his unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his unrelenting pursuit of becoming a preeminent soil scientist. His drive to excel has been his guiding force in striving to attain global recognition as one of the foremost experts in his field. Looking ahead, he plans to continue contributing to the scientific community and publish books on his findings. Additionally, he seeks to further his research on soil composition in the Bahamas and train and mentor young Bahamian scientists.
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