Sanders, D. C. (Douglas C.)

Douglas Sanders was a professor of horticultural science at North Carolina State University beginning in 1970. He received his bachelor's degree in 1965 from Michigan State University and his master's degree and doctorate in 1967 and 1970 respectively from the University of Minnesota. His accomplishments included the establishment of the N.C. Vegetable Growers Association, introduction of numerous new vegetable technologies (drip irrigation, plasticulture, precision seeding) and introduction of new crops to North Carolina, including asparagus, broccoli, sweet onions and leaf lettuce. He served in various positions of the American Society for Horticultural Science. He was named a fellow of that organization in 1992 and received its Outstanding International Horticulturist Award in 2006. He died on April 17, 2006.

From the description of Douglas Sanders slides and papers, 1971-2005. (North Carolina State University). WorldCat record id: 640148989

Sanders grew up on a family farm in Mason, Michigan. Sanders received his bachelor’s degree in vegetable crops in 1965 from Michigan State University. He earned his master’s degree and doctorate in horticulture in 1967 and 1970, respectively, from the University of Minnesota. He began his professional career at North Carolina State University in 1970 as an assistant professor specializing in vegetable production, and he was promoted to full professor in 1982.

Sanders taught and conducted research on vegetable production systems and their application worldwide. His accomplishments included the establishment of the N.C. Vegetable Growers Association, introduction of numerous new vegetable technologies (drip irrigation, plasticulture, precision seeding) and introdcution of new crops to North Carolina, including asparagus, broccoli, sweet onions and leaf lettuce.

Sanders served as vice president of the Extension Division of the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) in 1992-93. In 1992 he was named a Fellow of ASHS, and he received the organization's Outstanding International Horticulturist Award in 2006. He also served as president of the Southern Region ASHS in 2000.

Douglas Sanders was married to Ellen Sanders. He died on April 17, 2006.

From the guide to the Douglas Sanders Slides and Papers, 1971-2005, (Special Collections Research Center)