Skaggs Wins Communications Award

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) has honored Dr. R. Wayne Skaggs with the 2009 Charles A. Black Communications Award. Skaggs is William Neal Reynolds Professor and Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He received the award in March from Dr. Henry L. Shands, CAST president, in Washington, D.C.

The Charles A. Black Communications Award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in his or her area of expertise within the agricultural, environmental or food sciences sectors.

Skaggs is an expert in drainage and subsurface water management. In 1980 he developed a computerized water management model, DRAINMOD, which helps predict how water management procedures will affect water table depth, soil water regime and crop yields. The model has been reengineered to expand its capabilities and is used by consulting engineers, researchers and government agencies worldwide.

In 1994 NC State presented Skaggs its highest faculty recognition, the Alexander Quarles Holladay Award, and in 1997, he received the University of North Carolina’s highest award, the O. Max Gardner Award. That same year, he received the Alexander von Humboldt award for contributions to U.S. agriculture.