Joseph Joyce’s decades-long work with UF will soon be recognized.
Shortly after graduating from UF in 1982, Joyce led the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in managing the invasive water hyacinth plant in the St. Johns River in Florida. Later, he became the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ Center for Leadership director.
Joyce will be inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame on Feb. 9 along with fellow UF alumni Thomas Braddock and Charles Hinton, according to an announcement from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Joyce said he began his career at the university because of his work in the army.
"Even today, when we go across the St. Johns River, it’s pretty clear of water hyacinth," he said. "That’s very rewarding to see."
Vice President for Student Affairs Dave Kratzer said fixing things is just what Joyce does. Kratzer said the two met in 1991 in the U.S. Army Reserve while competing for a promotion to brigadier general. Now the two work together at UF.
"Joe has strived to be the best at what he does," Kratzer said. "When you look at his life, what he’s achieved, his friends, it’s because he worked hard for that."
When Joyce was IFAS senior associate vice president, he expanded and renovated program facilities across the state.
Agriculture professor and Wedgworth Leadership Institute Director Hannah Carter said she isn’t surprised about the nomination. She met Joyce as a student working for the institute..
"I have an admiration more than anything," she said. "The man has devoted his life and career to IFAS. He’s one of those rare individuals that does his work because he loves it and loves the people."
