The Nesbitt Award

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The Nesbitt Award is designed to honor the career of a professional member of the SERA 14 grape working group for significant research and/or extension contributions to the grape industry in the Southern Region. The Award is named in honor of William Belton Nesbitt, 1932 - 1983. Dr. Nesbitt served on the faculty of the Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University, from 1966 until 1983. His grape breeding efforts produced numerous Vitis rotundifolia cultivars, including ‘Noble’, ‘Carlos’, ‘Dixie’, ‘Sterling’, ‘Regale’ and ‘Doreen’. Dr. Nesbitt was extremely dedicated to his breeding work, research and furthering agricultural advantages for growers in North Carolina and throughout the Southern Region.

Nesbitt Award Honorees

2007	Dr. Bob Bates, Professor Emeritus, University of Florida
2006	No award
2005	Dr. Keith Striegler, Associate Director of Viticulture Research Mid-America Viticulture and Enology Center
2004	Dr. George Ray McEachern, Professor and Extension Horticulturist (retired), Texas A&M University
2003	Dr. Justin Morris, Distinguished Professor, University of Arkansas
2002	No award
2001	Mr. Jeff Bloodworth, Private Grape Breeder, Hillsborough, NC

Award Criteria

The nomination process includes submitting a packet (either electronically or via mail) with the following: 1) a copy of the nominee's curriculum vitae; and 2) a brief (fewer than 1,000 words) letter indicating the reason for nominating this individual. This letter should identify the major contributions on which the nomination is based and explain why the nominee is especially qualified to receive this award. Each of the following criteria should be addressed in the letter.

1. Originality and significance of research and/or extension contributions.
2. Contributions that led to the development or improvement of grape germplasm, viticultural practices, programs, and/or products that have had an impact on industry, or an area of general public concern.
3. Quality and significance of publications resulting from research and/or extension programs.
4. Leadership on scientific matters in the grape industry as well as the SERA-IEG-14 Working Group of the SR-ASHS.
5. Three letters of support, including at least one from another institution.