Mycologist Marin Brewer has been appointed the next William Terrell Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia.

“Originally established in 1854 by a gift from Dr. William Terrell of Hancock County as a Professorship of Agriculture and Agricultural Chemistry, the Terrell Distinguished Professorship is the oldest endowed position in CAES and has been noted as the second such position in the country,” said Harald Scherm, professor and head of the plant pathology department in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). “Brewer’s selection for this prestigious professorship is based on her excellence in the integration of teaching and research in the area of mycology and fungal biology.”

Brewer leads the Brewer Mycology Lab of Emerging Fungal Threats, where her research focuses on understanding the genetic basis of emerging fungal threats to plants and people. Brewer joined the CAES faculty in 2011 after earning her doctorate in plant pathology and plant-microbe biology from Cornell University. She also holds a master’s degree in plant, soil and environmental science from the University of Maine.

She received the D.W. Brooks Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2021. 

“I am truly honored to be appointed by Dean Place as the William Terrell Distinguished Professor,” Brewer said. “I am grateful for the support of my students and colleagues that made this amazing recognition possible.”

In a letter notifying her of the appointment, Nick T. Place, dean and director of CAES, thanked Brewer for her dedication to the college.

“We are thrilled to congratulate Dr. Brewer on this appointment,” Place said. “The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is fortunate to have her as a member of our faculty.”

Serving Georgia agriculture

Raised in Georgia since infancy, William Terrell was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives at age 24 to represent Hancock County from 1810 to 1813. As a representative, he supported agriculture, including voting for bills to incorporate the Agricultural Society of Georgia, according to William Terrell: Forgotten Benefactor in The Georgia Historical Quarterly.

Later in his career, Terrell focused on the scientific aspects of the agriculture industry. “In 1830 he analyzed the cause of grass failures in the lower South, observing that grasses for hay had never been scientifically attempted in the area,” writes John Rozier. “He publicized Virginia lyme grass, which became known as Terrell Grass throughout middle Georgia. For many years Terrell Grass was the only winter grass grown in the lower South.”

In 1854, Terrell donated $20,000 to the trustees of UGA to establish a professorship in agriculture. Terrell died the next year on July 4, 1855.

Daniel Lee was appointed the first William Terrell Distinguished Professor in 1855. Seven professors have served in the role since its establishment, under 15 deans and 16 UGA presidents.

“The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences would not exist as it is today were it not for the vision and foresight of William Terrell,” said John M. Holmes, a 1968 UGA graduate with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. “Terrell’s gift to the university has served as the example to invite and encourage large donor giving and as an example of what gifts and trusts can do to further the mission and vision of education.”

To learn more about Brewer’s work with emerging fungal threats, visit site.caes.uga.edu/mycologylab.