Viticulture Experts Join Grayson College Team
In response to the growing demands of the wine industry in the region and the state, Grayson College announces the addition of four highly respected visiting faculty members to its Viticulture and Enology program for the fall semester.
The visiting faculty members bring a wealth of expertise and industry knowledge, ensuring that students will receive comprehensive training in modern vineyard management and winemaking techniques.
“We are thrilled to welcome the faculty to our viticulture program, as their expertise and passion for the industry will provide students with unparalleled opportunities for learning and innovation” Grayson College President Dr. Jeremy McMillen said. “This enhances our academic offerings and strengthens our commitment to cultivating the next generation of winemakers.”
This partnership strengthens the College’s reputable program built on the legacy of TV Munson and equips students with the skills necessary to thrive in the wine industry, which ultimately contributes to the local economy and the flourishing wine culture in the area.
“I’m thrilled to welcome our visiting faculty to the viticulture and enology program,” Vice President of Instruction Dr. Dava Washburn said. “Their expertise and experience will undoubtedly enrich learning and help us continue to excel in the field.”
Dr. Justin Scheiner
Dr. Justin Scheiner is an Associate Professor and Extension Viticulture Specialist at Texas A&M University and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service where he provides educational programming and technical support for the Texas grape and wine industry. His research focuses on best management practices for vineyards in Texas including practices to improve fruit and wine quality, rootstocks and new grape varieties, cover crops and soil health and irrigation management.
Dr. Scheiner holds a Ph.D. in Horticulture from Cornell University, a Master of Science in Molecular and Environmental Plant Sciences from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Crop Science from Sam Houston State. Dr. Scheiner previously served as the Director and Professor of Viticulture and Enology at Grayson College from 2011-2014.
Dr. Scheiner is a member of the graduate faculty at Texas A&M, and he teaches courses in the Department of Horticultural Sciences. Dr. Scheiner holds a WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and judges for several international wine competitions.
Daniel Hillin
Daniel Hillin is a Viticulture Program Specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in College Station where he provides educational programming and technical support to the grape growers and winemakers in the High Plains, West Texas and Gulf Coast viticulture regions of Texas.
Hillin holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science, both from Texas A&M University, and is pursuing a Ph.D. His research focuses on the various aspects of the relationship between the grapevine root system and components of the soil.
His interests in the grape and wine field include aspects of both the viticulture and enological disciplines, and he possesses a strong desire to educate others. Hillin spends time educating both new and seasoned grape growers and winemakers.
Michael Cook
Michael Cook is the Viticulture Program Specialist II for North Texas with the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service where he focuses on research-based educational support for nearly 100 commercial vineyards in the region.
Cook holds a Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology from California State University, a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Texas A&M University with a specialization in Fruit and Vegetable Production and is an Aggie Master Gardener.
Cook taught at California State University and North Central Texas College and serves as a Guest Lecturer at Texas A&M, Oklahoma State University, the University of North Texas and several other colleges.
Mark Schabel
Mark Schabel holds a Bachelor Degree in Enology and Viticulture from the University of California, Davis. Schabel has worked for an array of vineyards, with expertise in winemaking and vineyard management both locally and internationally.
Schabel’s prior roles are vast and harness him with a wealth of knowledge in areas including winemaking, harvesting, pest control, managing cellar crews and laboratories and conducting sensory analysis. He also has experience with marketing a variety of vineyards at marketplace events.
About
Grayson College’s Viticulture and Enology program is one of the few degree grape growing and winemaking programs in the country, and the first of its kind in a Texas community college. Courses are offered in an 8-week, hybrid structure combining internet instruction with weekend class meetings. Courses may be taken for credit or for hobby, and scholarships are available!
For more information, contact:
Dr. Chase Machen
Dean of Academic & Workforce Instruction
machenc@grayson.edu
903.463.8608