William H. Daniel

1919 – 1995
Professor of Agronomy
Known as father of the Purdue turf program

Recognized Internationally for Turf Work

Serving as a consultant to companies in Japan, Europe and Saudi Arabia, Agronomy Legend William “Bill” Daniel took his Purdue work around the world, often providing solutions to turf problems in commercial, industrial and recreational areas. Stateside, his advances in turfgrass and turf management took root at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Soldier Field in Chicago and countless other spots.

In his 35 years at Purdue, Daniel developed improved turfgrasses for golf courses, athletic fields, lawns and sod. Varieties included Evansville bentgrass, Midwest zoysia, Sodco bluegrasses and Wabash. He also developed the PURR-Wick Water Management System, combining irrigation and drainage, and the Prescription Athletic Turf system, involving suction pumps and automatic soil moisture controls.

Daniel was a leader in founding the International Turfgrass Society, helped organize the Sports Turf Managers Association and was senior editor of the Turf Managers’ Handbook.

Education
1939                Diploma, Magnolia A &M, now Southern Arkansas University  
1941                B.A., Ouachita Baptist College, political science
1946                B.S.A., University of Arkansas, agronomy
1948                M.S., Michigan State, soil fertility
1950                Ph.D., Michigan State, turf grass management

Purdue Years
1950 – 1985

Career Highlights
1950                Assistant Professor of Agronomy, Purdue University
1957                Professor of Agronomy, Purdue University
1963                American Society of Agronomy, Fellow
1973                American Society of Agronomy, Agronomic Service Award
1975                American Society of Agronomy, Distinguished Service Award
1981                Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Distinguished
                         Service Award
1984                United States Golf Association, Green Section Award
1985                Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana Governor’s Award
1987                Southern Arkansas University, Distinguished Alumni Award
1994                Midwest Regional Turf Foundation, Distinguished Service Award