Adrian Muehlstein, chief operating officer of Carrollton-based Southwest Wholesale Nursery and a longtime supporter of Texas Techs Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, has been selected to receive this years Distinguished Arp Award from the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association.
The honor, which will be presented at the TNLAs Lone Star Hort Forum on Wednesday (Jan. 8) in Grapevine, Texas, is named after the Arp Rose Nursery Company and honors an individual professional for their outstanding contributions to the industry.
“Adrian has been a major advocate for horticulture in Texas for many years,” said Vikram Baliga, Davis College Assistant Dean for Outreach & Engagement and an Assistant Professor of Practice within the Department of Plant & Soil Science. “More than that, hes been a champion for students and student programs, and constantly looks for ways to create learning and professional opportunities for the next generation of horticulture and green industry professionals.”
“I'm constantly impressed by and grateful for Adrian's willingness to help with events, student support, and all the many things that go into creating a great learning experience and environment. Im fortunate to have been able to call him a friend and collaborator over the years and am thrilled that hes receiving this award and recognition,” Baliga said.
Davis College Senior Director of Development Matt Williams added, “Adrian is a great supporter and advocate for the Davis College and the horticulture programs through his financial gifts and donations. He is committed to help create the next generation of horticulture and agriculture leaders.”
Over the years Muehlstein has had a strong impact on the Davis College community. “Something just strikes me about the people in the Davis College,” he told the colleges The Agriculturist magazine last year. “It is obvious they are genuinely interested in student success and are invested in their future.”
In a significant sign of his interest in Davis College, his family launched the “Adrian & Kelly Muehlstein Horticulture Support Fund” in 2021 to fund equipment, supplies, travel, graduate and undergraduate student support, facility and building necessities, and any other needs within the colleges horticulture program. The Muehlsteins ties to Texas Tech have only strengthened as his son, Seth Muehlstein, is scheduled to graduate this spring from Davis Colleges Department of Natural Resources Management with a focus on range conservation.
“Weve always wanted to give back and give kids an opportunity in education because we believe in the future of this industry,” Adrian said in The Agriculturist magazine. “My goal is to stay committed to Davis College and help them develop their horticulture program for years to come.”
Muehlsteins interests in the agricultural industry were sown at an early age. He grew up in Grapevine, Texas, where he worked on his fathers farm and ranch operation. He graduated from Tarleton State University with a bachelors degree in horticulture and began working for Southwest Nursery. Hes now been with the company for three decades.
According to the Texas Nursery & Landscape Associations website, the mission of the organization is to elevate the business success of our members through dedicated efforts in legislative and regulatory advocacy, comprehensive education, impactful networking, and the steadfast promotion of professionalism. The group represents professionals in landscape, growers/re-wholesalers, retail, irrigation and suppliers.
CONTACT: Clint Krehbiel, Dean, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or Clint.Krehbiel@ttu.edu
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