Emeritus

Dr. Robert L. Wample
Professor and Chair Emeritus, Department of Viticulture and Enology 2000-2009
Director Emeritus, Viticulture & Enology Research Center 2000-2009

Ph.D. Plant Stress Physiology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1976

Brief Introductory Statement:
In July 2000, Dr. Wample accepted a joint position at the Viticulture and Enology Research Center (VERC) and the newly created Department of Viticulture and Enology (DVE) where he served as the director of research and department chair, respectively, from 2000 until August 2009. Prior to coming to Fresno State, Wample served more than 20 years in various teaching and research positions in the state of Washington. As Chair, Wample showed outstanding leadership in the development of the Bachelor of Science degrees in viticulture or enology, a Master's degree in viticulture and enology, and certificates of special study in both enology and sustainable viticulture. He was also responsible for all administrative, budgetary, and personnel matters for the faculty, staff, and students. As director of VERC, Wample facilitated all research projects within and outside the department and VERC and secured funding to maintain and expand VERC s research infrastructure. In addition, Wample served as program coordinator for three of Fresno State s Agricultural Foundation enterprises -- the table grape enterprise, the wine and raisin grape enterprise, and the Fresno State Winery enterprise.

While at Fresno State, Wample raised well over $500,000 of industry funding for his research program, authored or co-authored numerous scientific, peer-reviewed papers, and produced over 150 papers and presentations throughout his career. Dr. Wample's tireless efforts and dedication resulted in significant contributions to the programs at Fresno State and to California's grape and wine industry from 2000-2009.

His areas of expertise included viticulture and the effects of mechanical pruning, irrigation management, productivity and physiology including the effects of nutrition, harvest date, pruning level, and disease on cold hardiness of wine and juice grapes.