University of Maine’s Lois Stack Retires
Lois Stack, Professor of Horticulture and Extension Ornamental Horticulture Specialist, has retired from the University of Maine after 30 years of service. Over the course of her career she has been a major contributor and influencer in the green industry.
Lois and her husband Phil are originally from Wisconsin. Prior to moving to Maine in 1986, Lois worked at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and a county extension office. At the University of Maine she is known as a great friend to many, an inspirational instructor, and a mentor. One of her extension colleagues at the University, Kate Garland, said that Lois is a rock star who holds an immeasurable amount of horticultural knowledge, is an excellent communicator, has a great sense of humor, and truly cares about the various constituent groups she serves. “I admire her sincere love for learning and capacity to share her knowledge with others. She’ll be dearly missed,” she added.
Her work has had a lasting impact. At the University of Maine she started the Ornamental Horticulture Council and advised many other grower organizations throughout the state, including the Maine Nursery and Landscape Association (MELNA). She was recognized for her numerous contributions when she was presented with MELNA’s Al Black Award in 2005. She also received: the Ed Johnson Award from the Maine State Florists’ and Growers’ Association; a Lifetime Membership in the Garden Club Federation of Maine; and the University of Maine Sustainable Agriculture Faculty Award.
For more than a decade, Lois volunteered as New England GROWS’ Extension Coordinator, recruiting and scheduling regional extension colleagues to present Sprint Sessions on important industry topics. She also scheduled and staffed the “Ask Extension” booth at GROWS—a popular destination for attendees seeking advice. Virginia Wood, Executive Director of NENA and GROWS said, “I can’t say enough about Lois, both as a human being and industry icon. She is an extremely knowledgeable and gifted instructor and an invaluable resource to all in this industry—in Maine and beyond. She always has a positive attitude and an infectious smile. New England GROWS is grateful for her initiatives and contributions at the show, and I feel fortunate to call her a friend.” Virginia added that Lois will be invited to speak at future GROWS events, so we’ll have a chance to learn from her again!
In addition to GROWS, Lois also contributed to the development and success of the Northeast Greenhouse Conference as well as many other regional educational meetings and conferences throughout her career. She has given over 400 presentations, and her fact sheets and bulletins have helped countless professionals, students, and homeowners.
Lois taught several courses throughout her career. For the past seven years she taught the introductory course for all horticulture and sustainable agriculture majors. Her students gained a foundation of knowledge from her that they will use throughout their career. Lois consistently received accolades from students on teaching evaluations.
We congratulate Lois on her many accomplishments and all the lives she has touched. Best wishes for an enjoyable retirement!