Golembiewski leaves Oregon State, joins Bayer

There have been rumblings of this today, but now it is official. Rob Golembiewski, Ph.D., director of Oregon State's turf program, has accepted a position with Bayer CropScience. Golembiewski made the announcement publicly this afternoon via an email sent to all the members of the Oregon GCSA.

The email reads as follows:

Golembiewski will begin his new position with Bayer on April 2nd.

This is an email that I thought I would never be writing. Before you start hearing rumors, I wanted to let all of you know that I have been offered and accepted a new position with Bayer CropScience.  I will be serving as the Technical Service Specialist for the Midwest Region working out of my home in Columbus, Ohio. This is an amazing opportunity for me and my family to get back to the Midwest and closer to my 8 siblings and their families in Michigan. I plan to start my new position April 2nd and will be working out of my home in Philomath until approximately June 1st.

Please let me express that this is the most difficult decision that I have ever had to make professionally but for those who know me understand how important family is to me. I can’t overstate how appreciative I am for the support and friendship you have provided me over the past four years. I believe with all my heart that the OSU Turf Program is the preeminent turf program on the West Coast and it was made possible by each and every one of you.

I am not saying goodbye because I know many of our paths will cross again in the future. I plan to attend the upcoming OGCSA Events in May but if I don’t happen to see you, please let me say “THANK YOU” for making my stay at OSU a truly special time in my life. I wish each and every one of you all the best in your future endeavors and hope that you will continue to provide the amazing support shown to me for the next turf professor and OSU Turf Program.

With sincere appreciation,

Rob

Rob Golembiewski, Ph.D.
Turfgrass Specialist
Oregon State University

I was unable to reach Rob this morning when I called his cell, but we'll hopefully get in touch with him soon. Rob has been good to Golfdom, always taking the time to share insights and perspectives. We wish our best to Rob in this future endeavor... a big loss for the Oregon State turf program, but a big gain for Bayer CropScience.