Past Features
Featuring: Kimberly Hilgers
M.S. in Horticulture - 2005
Instructor of Horticulture
Department of Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape and Parks
South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
Kim Hilgers' career in Horticulture was rooted early in life. In high school she worked for a greenhouse and as a private gardener and was inspired by her grandfather, whose enthusiasm for plants and gardening was unavoidably contagious. She attended community college for a year, and then was accepted to Longwood Gardens' Professional Gardener Training program in Pennsylvania. Upon completion she took a position as assistant grower at a wholesale greenhouse on Long Island. Following the birth of her son, Kim moved back to her home state of Iowa where life changes prompted her to continue her formal education and enroll at Iowa State.
While working towards a BS, her advisor, Dr. Cindy Haynes, provided her with opportunities to combine her interests in plants, people, and education and inspired pursuit of a Master's degree. “What really made a difference in my education was the personal attention, caring, and support of the faculty and staff in the Department of Horticulture, particularly that of my advisor/major professor. I learned a great deal observing the professionalism and passion she displayed in the field of Horticulture. I owe much of my success to Dr. Haynes and the rest of the Department, as I don't think I would be where I am today without their support and encouragement.”
Kim received a 100% teaching appointment as an Instructor of Horticulture for South Dakota State University in Jan. 2006. She teaches a variety of lectures and/or labs such as Introduction to Horticulture, Plant Propagation, Woody Tree ID, and Senior Seminar. She has been actively involved in curriculum review and is in the process of developing several new courses entitled Professionalism in Horticulture, Greenhouse Crop Production, and Survey of Horticulture. In addition, she received a grant to revise the introductory course to incorporate a more student-centered learning methodology and a web presence.
In addition to instruction, Kim has lectured for Master Gardener workshops and has been invited to collaborate with Extension's national “eXtension” online initiative. This past summer she managed the student work crew for McCrory Gardens and Arboreta - a 60 acre display and research facility on campus.
“You don't always realize the knowledge you have gained until given the opportunity to use it. I felt very prepared upon graduation and the transition from student to professional has gone very smoothly. I attribute that to the variety and depth of educational experiences I received while attending ISU. Now that I am in the role of a college instructor, I have tried to extend to my students the extra effort of interest and support given to me by the Department of Horticulture. I feel privileged to be a part of the Horticultural Education Community and to be involved in shaping the future of Horticulture.”
Kim and her 9 yr old son Brandon are enjoying their new home (and yard/garden!) in Brookings, SD.
