The Importance of Horticulture in a Bible College Curriculum
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Stephen Brown
Professor of Agricultural Extension
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Palmer
Abstract
In order for the Alaska Bible College (ABC) to maintain its collegiate accreditation, it needed to provide a required laboratory-based science class for its students. ABC approached the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service for help. Upon graduation many of ABC’s students will go on to do missionary work in the rural areas of Alaska and developing nations. It was decided that a science class in horticulture would be of the greatest benefit to impoverished people the future missionaries might be working with. The Alaska Master Gardener curriculum was adapted and expanded to include hands-on experiences such as field trips to farms, greenhouses, community gardens, plant laboratories and included a tractor driving school at a local farm. Poultry science was included in the curriculum because its application can provide locals an inexpensive source of high protein food and plant fertilizer.
Authors: Stephen Brown
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Stephen Brown Professor of Agricultural Extension, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska, 99645