Erik Stromberg honored with emeritus status

25 Oct 2010

Erik Stromberg, professor of plant pathology, physiology, and weed science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, 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 1981, Stromberg was internationally recognized as an authority on gray leaf spot of corn caused by Cercospora zeae-maydis and identified sources of resistance to this disease. He was instrumental to the establishment of detection protocols for Asian soybean rust in the United States, and developed fungicide treatment thresholds for the control of diseases to support the intensive cereal management program for Virginia.

He served in leadership positions in several professional organizations, including as treasurer of the American Phytopathological Society, and as councilor, president, and vice president of the Potomac Division of the American Phytopathological Society.

Stromberg provided leadership in the department and college by serving as interim department head for two years and served on numerous committees, including the promotion and tenure committee at both the departmental and college levels.

Stromberg received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Riverside, and a Ph.D. from Oregon State University.