The society grants this honor to a current APS member in recognition of distinguished contributions to plant pathology or to The American Phytopathological Society. Fellow recognition is based on significant contributions in one or more of the following areas: original research, teaching, administration, professional and public service, and/or extension and outreach.
Dr. Michael Boehm, born in Lakewood, Ohio, is a distinguished educator, plant pathologist, and visionary leader in higher education. His career exemplifies an unwavering commitment to teaching, service, advocacy, and transformative leadership, advancing both plant pathology and higher education. He earned a B.S. in biology from Heidelberg College in 1987, an M.S. (1990) and Ph.D. (1992) in plant pathology from The Ohio State University. He also served as a postdoctoral researcher at Oregon State University with USDA, refining his expertise in plant-microbe interactions and disease management.
Dr. Boehm's nearly three-decade career has been defined by his commitment to fostering collaborative and engaging learning environments. In his first decade, he led Ohio's turf pathology program, partnering with university colleagues and the golf course management industry. He established a statewide extension program, publishing over 150 resources. Boehm and colleagues published widely on their research on fungal turf diseases and biocontrol of Fusarium head blight in cereal grains.
At Ohio State, Dr. Boehm inspired students across disciplines to pursue careers in plant science, agriculture, and national security. As Chair of the Undergraduate Studies Committee, he directed a comprehensive curriculum review, ensuring students developed critical skills for success in diverse careers. He played a significant role in the viability and growth of the Plant Health Management Major, the Plant Pathology Minor, and the Plant Pathology Honors and Scholars Program, guiding these programs to meet evolving industry needs. His teaching commitment was recognized with Ohio State’s Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, the APS Distinguished Teaching Award, and the USDA and APLU National Award for Excellence in College and University Teaching in Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Since joining the American Phytopathological Society (APS) in 1987, Dr. Boehm played a transformative role in advancing APS’s goals of inclusivity, innovation, and advocacy. His leadership on APS Council (2007-2014), and throughout his 4-year presidential sequence, serving as APS President in 2012-2013, was marked by initiatives that have positioned APS as a forward-focused and inclusive organization. As Chair of the Ad Hoc Governance Structure Task Force from 2008 to 2010, he led APS through a major governance transformation, reducing APS Council from 22 to 12 members. This restructuring, which also established the Divisional Forum for regional representation and the Visioning Forum for strategic foresight, made APS more agile and responsive to member needs.
Dr. Boehm’s service within APS extends to significant advocacy efforts that have positioned APS as a leader in addressing global plant health challenges. His presidency was instrumental in launching the Phytobiomes Initiative, a systems-based approach to plant health research. In 2013, he convened an APS Thought Leaders Workshop, gathering scientists to explore plant-microbe-environment interactions and identify research gaps. Recognizing the need for an integrated approach, he charged the APS Public Policy Board (PPB) with developing a strategic framework for the Phytobiomes Initiative, which gained momentum under Jan Leach’s leadership. The initiative’s successes include the creation of an interdisciplinary journal and the publication of the Phytobiomes Roadmap, now guiding international research on sustainable food, fuel, and fiber production.
Dr. Boehm’s global impact within APS is also evident in his role as Chair of the APS Bursary Committee for the 11th International Congress of Plant Pathology, which provided financial support to early- and mid-career scientists from economically disadvantaged regions. Under his leadership, the committee raised $285,638, awarding bursaries to 142 of the 382 applicants from 65 countries, with a focus on researchers from Asia and Africa. This effort broadened the congress’ reach, fostering diversity in scientific exchange and strengthening international networks within plant pathology.
In his recent work with the APS Public Policy Visioning Task Force, Dr. Boehm and his group assessed the PPB’s effectiveness in promoting plant pathology within the policy arena. Facing shifting policy priorities and funding reductions, the task force recommended strategies to enhance APS member engagement, particularly among early-career scientists, and foster alliances with like-minded organizations. These recommendations have strengthened APS’s influence on science policy and funding, ensuring APS remains effective in addressing global plant health and food security challenges.
Dr. Boehm has demonstrated transformative leadership in higher education administration. Leading the Ohio State Plant Pathology Department for three years after serving as associate chair, he was well regarded by faculty, staff, and students as an attentive and innovative academic unit leader. As Vice Provost for Academic and Strategic Planning at Ohio State, he launched and led the $550 million Discovery Themes Initiative, addressing critical issues in water and food security, sustainability, health, and the arts. He also implemented an integrated capital planning system that aligned funding with strategic academic priorities, enhancing Ohio State’s capacity for cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Since 2017, Dr. Boehm has served as Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska System and as Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His leadership has driven unprecedented growth in research and extension programs, secured record levels of external funding, and supported initiatives linking scientific discovery to practical applications in agriculture. His work in Nebraska includes advancing rural prosperity and workforce development, with a focus on sustainable agriculture and precision farming technologies. By modernizing interlocal agreements between Nebraska Extension and county boards, Dr. Boehm has strengthened local partnerships, ensuring extension services remain impactful and relevant.
A hallmark of Dr. Boehm’s career is his unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He has consistently advocated for access and representation of underrepresented groups in plant pathology and agricultural sciences. His DEI initiatives have created a more inclusive scientific community, enabling diverse voices to contribute to shaping the future of agriculture, plant health, and natural resources.
In recognition of his exceptional service to APS, his commitment to teaching and mentoring, his advocacy for plant pathology, and his transformative leadership in higher education, Dr. Michael J. Boehm is a highly deserving candidate for the APS Fellow honor. His career exemplifies scientific excellence, collaboration, and dedication to public service, leaving a lasting impact on the plant pathology community and the broader agricultural landscape.
