Six Years of Growth

Dr. Lombardini’s Reflection on the Department of Horticulture

Dr. Leo Lombardini has served as the Department Head of Horticulture for six years, a journey marked by growth, challenges, and a steadfast commitment to both academic excellence and community impact.

“It’s been a rewarding journey,” said Dr. Lombardini. “I feel we’ve accomplished a lot over the past six years. The department has grown significantly in size, with many new faculty and graduate students joining our team, but that does not mean we can rest. There’s still a lot of work to do to make our program better.”

From the beginning, his decision to join the department was driven by its strong reputation and the opportunity to expand his leadership in a role that would positively impact the growth of Georgia’s agricultural sector.

One of his most memorable milestones came with hosting the Seed Your Future Advisory Board and the members of the multistate project NCAC-4 (an advisory committee made up of university department heads/chairs), moments that underscored the department’s growing presence on the national stage. Beyond the events, he has stated the most rewarding aspect of his role to be watching the people of the department flourish, seeing graduate students leave the department and go on to build their own successful careers and seeing faculty grow professionally, expanding their research and influence nationally.

Dr. Lombardini describes the leadership of the Department of Horticulture as both rewarding and challenging. One of the key challenges is balancing diverse personalities and academic pursuits while steering the department toward shared goals, requiring both patience and strategic thinking. With a broad spectrum of studies and research types, it is easy to get lost in the details – that's where the Department Head comes in. By organizing and considering all the details of each situation, he tries his best to create solutions tailored to individual strengths and differences.

Under this leadership, the department has undergone a transformation. Over 18 new faculty members have been added, the graduate program continues to thrive, and emerging areas of study—such as Horticultural Therapy and a Citrus Breeding Program—have broadened the department’s reach.

A particular highlight has been the successful recruitment of highly talented faculty members, whose work has further elevated the department’s research profile. Innovations in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Vegetable Breeding, and Citrus Breeding have been launched in response to direct feedback from growers, ensuring that the department remains closely aligned with the needs of Georgia’s agricultural sector.

Strengthening relationships has also been a cornerstone of Dr. Lombardini’s leadership philosophy. “I’ve prioritized being present—whether it’s face-to-face time with faculty across campuses or one-on-one meetings with graduate students,” he says. “Outside of the university, if I am extended an invitation, I attend board meetings and grower events to stay in tune with what matters most to the horticultural community.”

Looking ahead, the departmental focus is on student enrollment and undergraduate engagement, allowing every potential student to see their future in Horticulture. The undergraduate program will “leave no stone unturned.”

As Dr. Lombardini reflects on six years of service, he celebrates the department’s achievements and turns towards a clear vision of growth for the future. “Time flies when you’re having fun,” he says. “It’s been a professional and deeply rewarding experience leading this department. I feel privileged to serve such a dedicated team of faculty, students, researchers, and staff—and to contribute to the future of horticulture in the State of Georgia.”