For Missouri State University junior Zachary Morris, plants are more than just a hobby. 

As a horticulture major, he is turning his passion into purpose through hands-on learning and industry experience.  

“I love plants and hope to inspire others to appreciate them and understand how important they are in our food systems,” he said.  

At an early age, his aunt introduced him to gardening. She taught him the value of caring for plants and how rewarding it is to nurture something and watch it grow. 

Finding his place

Originally from Vilonia, Arkansas, Morris chose to become a Bear because the degree program he wanted had a strong reputation. He was also drawn to the university’s supportive community.  

“Missouri State has an amazing agriculture program and a great community. Everyone supports each other,” he said. 

Since enrolling in 2023, he has immersed himself in hands-on learning experiences — both in the classroom and in the real world. 

From classroom to commercial greenhouse

Last year, Morris gained industry insight through a six-month internship. From June 27-Dec. 15, he worked at Neal Mast Greenhouses, a large-scale greenhouse production facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He learned about the internship through Cheri Hamilton, instructor in the School of Agricultural Science and Conservation, who encouraged him to apply and wrote him a recommendation letter.  

“I didn’t expect to get the internship, but my experience in the Karls Hall Greenhouse on campus and other greenhouse roles helped me get the position,” he said.  

Developing industry-ready skills 

During the internship, Morris managed greenhouses with multiple growing sections. He was responsible for watering plants and monitoring and recording plant growth. His tasks also included scouting for pests and diseases, and applying plant growth regulators, pesticides and fungicides using a 400-gallon sprayer.

He credits his coursework at Missouri State for preparing him for the internship. Classes helped him understand plant terminology, pest identification, disease management and environmental requirements, such as light and water capacity.  

“I used a lot of what I learned in class. Knowing what a healthy plant should look like and how to grow one was helpful,” he said. 

Growth opportunity 

This internship helped Morris grow in many ways.  

“Personally, it made me more confident in my skills. It showed me this is really what I want to do and convinced me that I’m making the right career choice,” he said. 

Beyond professional development, Morris built lasting friendships during his time in Michigan. 

“I became part of the community there, and it felt like a big family I can go back to and rely on in the future,” he said. 

The experience also opened his eyes to new possibilities.  

“I returned with new ideas that I’ll apply in the campus greenhouse,” Morris said. “I’m starting to see connections and identify changes we can make to improve our work.”  

A vision for the future 

After he graduates in spring 2027, Morris aspires to build a career in greenhouse production and controlled environment growing.  

“I hope to start my own greenhouse business where I can combine production, sustainability and people-focused growing,” he said.  

“My goal is to run a larger-scale operation that produces high-quality plants for local or regional markets, offers education opportunities and serves the community.”

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