Dr. Mark Windham is a wonderful speaker and teacher—informative, engaging, and entertaining. His research on Rose Rosette Disease, one of the most destructive diseases affecting ornamental roses in the United States, has been invaluable to rosarians and rose growers across the country. Through district meetings, educational programs, and articles, Dr. Windham has generously shared his research findings and helped rosarians better understand and address this devastating disease.
For many years, Dr. Windham presented classes at the Tenarky District Consulting Rosarian (CR) schools, as well as at CR schools across the country. When travel was no longer possible, he continued sharing his knowledge through virtual presentations. His dedication to rose education has made a lasting impression on his students and on rosarians nationwide.
Much beloved by his students and fellow rosarians, Dr. Windham retired in June 2022 from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture after 37 years of teaching and research. During his distinguished career, he served as a Distinguished Professor and Chair of Ornamental Pathology.
Although much of his research focused on Rose Rosette Disease, Dr. Windham also contributed significantly to research addressing plant health issues in hydrangeas and flowering dogwoods. His research interests included:
- Virus and eriophyid mite resistance in Rosa species
- Ecology of eriophyid mites associated with Rosa species
- Cultural and chemical controls for Rose Rosette Disease
- Management of Cercospora leaf spot in cultivated roses
- Powdery mildew resistance in flowering dogwood
- Reintroduction of dogwoods as a nursery crop in the Deep South
- Resistance to fungal foliar diseases in hydrangeas
Throughout his career, Dr. Windham has authored and co-authored hundreds of articles for rose publications at the local, district, and national levels. He has been a frequent and highly regarded speaker at rose society meetings and conventions, inspiring and educating generations of rosarians. Even in retirement, he remains a sought-after speaker and continues to share his expertise. He also writes monthly articles for distribution to American Rose Society newsletter editors for inclusion in local and district publications.
Retirement has not slowed Dr. Windham’s commitment to the world of roses. He continues to study rose diseases and contribute to the development of sustainable roses, helping advance the future of rose growing for generations to come.
In 2023, Dr. Windham received the American Rose Society’s Klima Medal for Excellence in Rose Education. Now, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to rose research, education, and the rosarians he has inspired throughout the country, the American Rose Society proudly honors him with the 2026 Gold Honor Medal.
This prestigious recognition is a fitting tribute to a dedicated researcher, gifted educator, and cherished friend to the rose community. Congratulations, Dr. Windham, on this well-deserved honor!