“How can I help?” For John Gassett the question is deceptively simple. Backed by decades of service at the Georgia Research Station on the University of Georgia’s Griffin campus, those four words paved the way for a career milestone.
Gassett, superintendent at the station, was recently named the first-ever recipient of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ Superintendent or Farm Manager of the Year Award.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in forestry resources at UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources in 1998, Gassett’s professional path at UGA began in 2006 when he joined the Statewide Variety Testing program as an agronomist in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Seven years later, he became program director and advanced to superintendent of Iron Horse Farm before settling into his current role in May 2021.
Outstanding in his field
In terms of field research, there wasn’t much Gassett had not been involved in — until UGA Grand Farm came along.
His leadership and resilience were called upon to help build the 250-acre innovation farm in Perry on a short timeline with high expectations. Faced with the difficult challenge, Eric Elsner, executive superintendent of the college’s research and education centers, turned to Gassett for support.
“When I was asked to assist with the UGA Grand Farm in Perry, my response was, ‘How can I help?’” Gassett said. “I still did what was needed in Griffin, but I would spend 16 or more hours a day in Perry to prepare the land for planting research because others were depending on me.”
Gassett’s efforts were integral in finalizing the plan for the farm and preparing it for a historic grand opening attended by UGA President Jere W. Morehead, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Georgia Sen. Larry Walker, among other notable figures from across the country.
“Earning this award means more than I know how to say,” said Gassett. “So, thank you to everyone who had a decision on this. I just did what I could to help, and I will do it again without hesitation.”
More Than a Moment
The award is a reflection of Gassett’s dedication and selfless commitment to advancing the college’s research, teaching and Extension missions; efforts that can go unseen and uncredited.
“Superintendents and farm managers are critical to the success of our college’s field and controlled environment research efforts,” said Elsner. “Our research centers, farms and plant growth facilities are where the rubber meets the road, and it is essential that we have effective leadership. Leading these facilities is not simple; they are complex facilities with challenges that often mirror that complexity.”
For Gassett, his stewardship is both a duty and a legacy — one instilled in him by his father.
“My dad began teaching me and my two brothers about farming and work ethic at the age of 7 when he would put us on a tractor to mow and do other chores,” Gassett said. “We couldn’t reach the pedals, but we thought we were larger than life.
“Agricultural research is necessary for the success of the future of farming, but the rewards of that success will never be recognized by very many — that is not why we do what we do.”
The Spirit of Service
The purpose of the new annual award is to recognize a superintendent or farm manager who demonstrates excellence across multiple facets of their role — someone who not only manages day‑to‑day operations effectively but also works to ensure their facility is stronger tomorrow than it is today, and who understands that their work contributes to a much larger mission.
“This award recognizes the essential leadership that underpins the success of our field and controlled-environment research across CAES. We are thankful to John Gassett for his contributions to our research programs and support for our faculty in achieving excellence,” said Harshavardhan Thippareddi, CAES associate dean for research.
“Our faculty and Extension personnel rely on this support to provide actionable information to Georgia’s farmers and growers. We are proud to honor exceptional individuals who move beyond effective day-to-day management to elevate their facilities, strengthen our research enterprise, and advance the broader mission of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.”
Ultimately, the award is more than a recognition of Gassett’s work — it honors his leadership style, one that is exemplified by the simple question that has guided his entire career: “How can I help?”