Florida Southern College’s Malcolm Manners to Retire

Malcolm Manners, Florida Southern College (FSC) professor of citrus science and coordinator of the citrus and horticultural science program, will soon retire after 44 years at the college.

Manners’ fascination with plants and horticulture started at a young age. “My parents were always gardeners, and I’ve had an interest in plants my whole life,” he said.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Anderson College, Manners decided to return to his horticultural roots. He earned his master’s degree in fruit crops/tropical fruit physiology and a Ph.D. in horticultural science from the University of Florida (UF).

By the time he went to UF, Manners knew he wanted to pursue teaching. At UF, he discovered that most larger universities predominantly focused on research rather than teaching. Manners was drawn to the intimate teaching environment at FSC and joined the faculty in 1981.

“I wanted a place where they emphasized teaching and would have small enough class sizes that you could get to know your students,” he said.

At FSC, Manners occupies the John and Ruth Tyndall Chair in Citrus Sciences and has advised the school’s chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho social-professional agricultural fraternity for more than 20 years. Many in the fraternity are in the citrus program and help Manners tend to the campus’ rose gardens, greenhouses and citrus trees.

A rose species, the Dr. Malcolm Manners Rose, was named in the rose aficionado’s honor.

Outside of school, Manners has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his volunteer efforts with the U.S. Agency for International Development. He has participated in 14 volunteer missions since 1996, helping developing countries in Europe, Africa and Asia tackle poverty through education on better crop production methods. 

As part of his Junior Journey programs at FSC, Manners has taken students to Alaska, Scotland and South Africa. He has also taken students to California and Brazil to study their citrus industries.

“Dr. Manners has a way of guiding and teaching that makes a lasting impression that will stick with you forever,” said Cody Lastinger of the FSC class of 2013. “He has molded the minds of many leaders in the citrus industry with his time and dedication to the citrus program at Florida Southern College.”

Lastinger, now an AgriEdge Specialist at Syngenta, credits Manners for developing his passion for horticulture.

In retirement, which occurs at the end of this school year, Manners plans to continue writing and traveling.

Read Ernie Neff’s Citrus Industry article on Manners from 2020.

Source: Florida Southern College

Sponsored Content