Dr. Jack Fry was raised in Overland Park, KS where he first gained interest in horticulture by working in the yard alongside his father. Upon further investigation in his undergraduate studies, Fry decided turfgrass management was the option he wanted to pursue. Later on, he chose to further his knowledge in the same area at the graduate level.

Before returning to Kansas State University, Dr. Fry served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Louisiana State University from 1987-1991. Beginning in 1991, Fry began his very successful career at K-State. His many accomplishments include serving as an advisor for numerous M.S. and Ph.D. candidates, authoring over 80 scientific publications, and co-authoring the textbook Applied Turfgrass Science and Physiology. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Fry holds a faculty member position with the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America (GCSAA) and presents a seminar at their annual Golf Industry Show and regionally as requested. He also serves as co-advisor with Dr. Steve Keeley of the GCSAA Student Chapter at K-State.

Fry is currently serving a 50% teaching and 50% research contract. Developing curriculum is one of his additional duties, as Dr. Fry helped spearhead two separate undergraduate programs: Golf Course Management in 1998 and Sports Turf Operations Management in 2008. Also, he takes pride in his advising duties, especially assisting those students working on the 6 credit hours of required internships in the Horticulture major.

In his free time, Dr. Fry enjoys cheering on the Wildcats at KSU sporting events, spending time with his three children, working in the yard, playing golf, bike riding and fishing.