ALUM OF THE MONTH JIM NAU
February 13, 2017
Name: Jim Nau
Title and Company: Cultural Advisor and Manager of the Ball Horticultural Company Archives
Hometown: Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Major and Graduation Date: Horticulture, Class of 1982
Major job/Position Responsibilities: I was the head of the Gardens at Ball for 34 years and now I am using the information collected to populate the photo files and cultural information for the Ball customers. I edited / wrote the Ball Red Book 18th edition, the Ball Perennial Manual and the Ball Culture Guide.
What you like most about your job/position: I have always been an avid historian and an equally a plant culture records keeper. This newest position is something I have wanted for years.
What advice would you give to current students: Iowa State University did not necessarily teach me everything I needed to do my job right out of school. Instead, they taught me how to think! Every science, including horticulture, provides new ideas on a weekly basis. Keep your mind open and you will succeed.