Meadows Award Recipient: Dr Sandy Wilson
We are proud to announce that Dr. Sandy Wilson has been named the 2025 recipient of the IPPS Meadows Award, the highest honor of our Society.
Dr. Wilson’s work has profoundly influenced both academia and commercial horticulture. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership through collaborations with industry partners, research organizations, and local nurseries, leading numerous outreach programs that translate science into practical strategies for growers. Dedicated to the industry, she has worked extensively with the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association (FNGLA) and other regional groups, shaping policies that promote sustainability and economic growth while improving productivity, plant quality, and environmental stewardship.
Her teaching has influenced countless students, many of whom have become leaders in horticulture, with courses that expertly blend theory and hands-on experience, mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students to succeed in a competitive field. Dr. Wilson’s research on environmental factors, propagation techniques, and nursery management has advanced plant production systems, improving crop yields, plant health, and operational efficiency. By translating research into actionable strategies, she has made a lasting impact on Southern Region growers.
Through her dedication to horticultural science, leadership, service, teaching, and research, Dr. Wilson has transformed the nursery industry and inspired the next generation of horticulturists.
Watch the Meadows Award Ceremony Here
Fellows Award Recipient: Ms Laura Miller
We are delighted to recognize Laura Miller of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Tarrant County for her remarkable contributions to plant propagation, production, and the nursery industry in the Southern Region through her leadership, service, teaching, and community outreach.
As a County Extension Agent for Commercial Horticulture, Laura has effectively bridged the gap between research and practical applications, helping growers implement sustainable, efficient practices. She has provided technical guidance on integrated pest management, propagation techniques, and plant health—directly improving plant quality and operational efficiency.
Laura has demonstrated exceptional leadership within the nursery industry, serving on the IPPS Southern Region Board since 2012, recently completing her term on the International Board, and chairing the 2017 Dallas meeting. Through workshops, seminars, and educational programs, she has empowered nursery professionals and landscapers to adopt research-based best practices, always delivering complex information in a clear, practical way.
Her research and advisory work on plant nutrition, pest management, and production techniques have enhanced the competitiveness and sustainability of local nurseries. Active in IPPS and other horticultural organizations, Laura continues to enrich the Southern Region by sharing expertise, fostering innovation, and mentoring the next generation of horticulturists.
Laura’s leadership, teaching, and service have left a lasting impact on commercial horticulture, making her an exemplary and inspiring honoree.
Watch the Fellows Award Ceremony Here
🌿 Honor Excellence in Horticulture 🌿
Each year, the International Plant Production Society (IPPS) recognizes outstanding members who exemplify our motto of Seeking and Sharing Knowledge through two of the Society’s most prestigious honors — the Meadows Award and the Fellows Award.
- The Meadows Award is the highest recognition given by IPPS, honoring individuals whose career achievements have made significant contributions to the advancement of plant production and the horticultural industry.
- The Fellows Award recognizes long-standing members who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to IPPS and its mission.
- Nominations are due June 1.
We invite you to help us celebrate excellence within our community by nominating a deserving colleague. Your nominations ensure that those who have gone above and beyond in leadership, teaching, research, and industry impact receive the recognition they deserve.
👉 Click below to review award criteria and submit a nomination.
Let’s continue honoring those who make IPPS a global leader in horticultural knowledge and innovation!