Interim director named for Sandhill center

Patrick Wechter became the interim director of Clemson University’s Sandhill Research and Education Center in Columbia on November 1. The appointment follows the departure of Kathy Coleman, who led the organization for 11 years starting in 2015.

Wechter retains his current position as director of the Coastal Research and Education Center in Charleston. He will manage both facilities simultaneously during this transition period. His professional background includes 18 years as a research plant pathologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service.

Carlyle Brewster, the interim associate dean for research and director of the Clemson Experiment Station, confirmed the move. Brewster described Coleman’s tenure as dedicated and noted that she supported the partnerships essential to the center’s operations. He stated that Wechter’s experience in agricultural research will help maintain stability at Sandhill.

Wechter holds master’s and doctoral degrees in plant pathology from Clemson. His research focuses on vegetable crops and plant health. The Sandhill center was established in 1926. It began as an agricultural experiment station for a rural region.

The facility now conducts research in agribusiness, natural resources, and environmental stewardship. Its work covers specialty crops, forestry, wildlife habitat, and cover crops. Wechter said he intends to learn directly from the farmers and landowners the team serves.