Patrick Phipps honored with emeritus status

Patrick Phipps, professor of plant pathology, physiology, and weed science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech stationed at the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Suffolk, Va., has been conferred the “professor emeritus” title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1978, Phipps conducted research and extension activities that resulted in the reduction of fungicide and nematicide use by hundreds of tons, saving Virginia farmers millions of dollars. He authored or co-authored more than 500 publications, which included refereed journal articles, reviewed research reports, extension bulletins, and articles in trade journals and farm magazines.

He supported the research enterprise as an editor for six journals and as a frequent reviewer for additional journals and funding agencies.

Phipps’ excellence was consistently honored by statewide organizations, commodity groups, colleagues, and professional organizations, including the Virginia Tech Alumni Excellence in Extension Award, the Virginia Agribusiness Council’s Extension Award, and election as Fellow of the American Phytopathological Society.

Phipps received his bachelor’s degree from Fairmont State University, a master’s degree from Virginia Tech, and a Ph.D. from West Virginia University.