Wilburton, OK — Eastern Oklahoma State College (EOSC) is excited to announce the re-opening of its Horticulture Course Options for Spring 2026, welcoming students and community members back into the greenhouse, the garden, and the classroom beginning January 12, 2026. Rooted in a long tradition of hands-on agricultural education, EOSC’s horticulture facilities—located adjacent to the Goddard Livestock Center—feature modern greenhouses, classroom space, and opportunities for experiential learning. Originally developed in 2016 with the installation of an innovative aquaponics system, the greenhouses have been described as a “living laboratory” for students and continue to serve as a model for sustainable and practical horticulture education in southeastern Oklahoma. “This is more than reopening classes—it’s about reconnecting people to plants, place, and purpose,” said Rene’ McCracken, Dean of Agriculture. “Whether students want to design landscapes, manage a greenhouse, grow food for their community, or simply learn better gardening practices, these courses are designed to meet people where they are and help them grow and I am thrilled to be leading these courses.”
The following three courses will be offered on campus during the Spring 2026 semester:
· HORT 1113 – Principles of Horticulture & Landscape Design – Wednesdays, 8:30 – 9:45 a.m. An introduction to horticulture principles, plant selection, and the fundamentals of landscape design.
· HORT 2233 – Nursery and Greenhouse Practices Mondays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Hands-on study of greenhouse and nursery operations, including plant production, growing media, timing, and space utilization.
· HORT 2993 – Community Garden Management Tuesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. A special topics course focused on managing community gardens, food production, sustainability, and community engagement.
These courses are ideal for students pursuing an Associate of Science in Horticulture, agriculture majors, future educators, and non-traditional students interested in gardening, greenhouse production, landscaping, or food systems.
A Program Designed for Growth Horticulture at Eastern blends science, creativity, and practical skill-building, preparing students for transfer opportunities, careers in horticulture and related fields, and meaningful engagement with their communities. Coursework emphasizes greenhouse management, plant identification, landscape design, and sustainable practices while encouraging students to apply what they learn in real-world settings. In addition to coursework, the greenhouses support plant production for campus and community use, student employment opportunities, tours, and future workshops designed for local producers and gardeners.
Enrollment Now Open Enrollment for Spring 2026 is now open. Classes begin January 12, 2026. For more information about the Horticulture Program, course enrollment, or advising, contact:
Rene’ McCracken Dean of Agriculture Eastern Oklahoma State College Baker 100, Wilburton, OK 74578 (918) 434-1727 rmccracken@eosc.edu Visit: www.eosc.edu/agriculture Facebook: Eastern Agriculture Division
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