Department of Entomology

Historical State Timelines
Department of Entomology
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1890s

circa 1890 Entomology curriculum established

The entomology curriculum was taught within the Department of Horticulture, Arboriculture, and Botany.

1900s

1902 F. Sherman assigned entomological responsibility for N.C. Agricultural Experiment Station

F. Sherman was assigned principal entomological responsibility for N.C. Agricultural Experiment Station while also serving as the State Entomologist.

1903 Entomology listed as a separate subject

Entomology was first listed as a separate subject in the course catalog with classes fulfilling part of the four-year degree in Agriculture.

1907 R.I. Smith became Principal Station Entomologist

1910s

1911 Zoology Building constructed

The Zoology Building, originally called Animal Industry Building, was constructed for Animal Industry, Zoology, and Entomology department. The building was demolished in the mid-1950s.

Zoology Building, aerial viewZoology Building, aerial view
1912 Department of Zoology and Entomology established
1912 Z.P. Metcalf served as head of the Department of Zoology and Entomology

He also served as the Entomologist at the NC Agricultural Experiment station.

Zeno P. Metcalf at deskZeno P. Metcalf at desk

1920s

5/17/1922 Zeno P. Metcalf debated on evolution

Entomology professor Zeno P. Metcalf debated Bible Conference leader William B. Riley on the topic, "Resolved: That Evolution is a Demonstrated Fact" in the old Pullen Hall.

1924 First master's degree in entomology conferred to Theodore B. Mitchell

1950s

1950 Division of Biological Sciences established

The Division of Biological Sciences was established. The Department of Entomology and Zoology were placed in the division and separated into two programs: the Department of Zoology and the Department of Entomology.

1951 Plant Disease Clinic established

The Plant Disease Clinic was established in the Department of Plant Pathology as a diagnostic clinic for farmers and gardeners in North Carolina, processing plant specimens sent by mail or in person for immediate disease control recommendations. In 1970, the clinic was renamed the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic after bringing on scientists from the Department of Entomology.

Display of Plant Disease and Insect ClinicDisplay of Plant Disease and Insect Clinic
1953 First PhD awarded in entomology to Henry F. Howden
1955 Department of Entomology established

The Division of Biological Sciences was dissolved, and all subjects within became individual departments. From this, the Department of Entomology was established. More historical information about this department exists on their website.

1960s

1964 Toxicology program established within the department
1964 Edward H. Smith served as head of entomology department
1968 Kenneth L. Knight served as head of entomology department

1980s

1989 James D. Harper served as head of entomology department

2010s

2016 Rick Davis served as head of entomology and plant pathology department
07/01/2016 Entomology and plant pathology departments merged

Entomology merged with the Department of Plant Pathology and became a program within the newly created Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.

2020s

08/01/2022 Carolyn Young became head of entomology and plant pathology department