Endowed Scholarships & Fellowships

Allen G. Smajstrla Scholarship

Allen Smajstrla

History

Dr. Allen Smajstrla was chair of the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department's extension faculty group and provided outstanding leadership in agricultural engineering in Florida and throughout the nation. He earned his bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and obtained his Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1977. Soon afterward, he was appointed as an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, where he was quickly promoted through the ranks to Full Professor. His major professor noted that, even as a grad student, Smajstrla had a love for teaching and for students that he never lost.

Smajstrla was very active in professional societies. As a young professor, he was awarded the Nolan Mitchell Young Extension Worker Award by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE), which is given to only one person in the U.S. annually. He also received many other awards from ASAE. He has served in numerous capacities in the Florida Section of ASAE, including chairman, and received the 1999 Distinguished Achievement Award for service to the Society and profession. He was extremely active in the Florida Irrigation Society (FIS) and was given the FIS Special Service Award. Allen was an international leader in microirrigation--a new method of irrigation resulting in the conservation of water and energy.

Even after being diagnosed with cancer in 1998, Smajstrla was able to continue working at the University of Florida Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department until the end of August 1999. He passed away in October of that year.

Students spoke of Dr. Smajstrla as more than an exceptional professor: he was a friend to everyone. His dual abilities as a theoretical analyst and dedicated researcher were rare and set him apart professionally.

Criteria

Undergraduate students in agriculture and biological engineering or agriculture operations management who are interested in water resources.

Application Information

Contact the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Click here to visit the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences website.