Oliver S. Polston Memorial Fund
Support graduate assistantships in Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences Dept.
Oliver Samuel “Sam” Polston was born in Coffee Springs, Alabama May 28, 1925. At the age of four, his family moved to the Poplar Springs community in eastern Holmes County Florida. He was drafted by the US Army to serve in WWII and became a Staff Sergeant. At the conclusion of WWII, with the help of the GI-Bill, he attended and graduated from the University of Florida with a Master of Agriculture degree in 1950. Upon graduating, Sam Polston was employed by the USDA Soil Conservation Service. He worked briefly in Wauchula, FL and Arcadia, FL before being transferred to Sebring, FL to serve as the District Conservationist. He continued in that capacity until his death in July 1984. In addition, Sam Polston owned and operated a citrus grove and cattle ranch. He was more knowledgeable in his profession because he was actively involved in the agriculture industry.
Sam Polson in 1960
Sam Polson in 1980
Sam Polston and Ben Hill Griffin Jr mid 1960’s
