Carl Whitcomb is a world-renowned horticulturist and ornamental plant breeder and currently owns and operates Lacebark Inc. near Stillwater. His 40-plus years of research have led to numerous patents and registered trademarks as an inventor and entrepreneur.

 

Receiving his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and master’s and doctorate degrees from Iowa State University, Whitcomb joined the OSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture as an assistant professor in 1972. He was promoted to associate professor and then full professor before leaving OSU in 1985.

 

While serving on the faculty at OSU, Whitcomb had a significant impact on students and research and continues to be a source of inspiration and motivation for students interested in entrepreneurship and innovation in ornamental horticulture.

 

Whitcomb has established multiple scholarships for horticulture students and has given toward student experiences and a new educational facility at The Botanic Garden at OSU.