Q&A with Ken Ingram

Ken Ingram in front of Jull Hall

Image Credit: Diana Velasquez-Munoz

November 26, 2012

Ken Ingram, Lecturer and Coordinator for the IAA’s Landscape Management and Ornamental Horticulture programs, joined the IAA in 2008. After 30 years working in the golf course industry, he turned to teaching.

Ingram focuses on plant science, landscape management, and horticulture, and is also active in several professional associations. An alumnus of the University of Maryland, Ingram feels at home at the IAA. Get to know Ken:

Why did you choose teaching after your 30 years in the industry?

If you want the honest truth, because my golf course went bankrupt. But I was at a point in my life where I wanted to give back: in the words of golf, “for the good of the game.”

If you were a plant, what plant would you be?

Creeping bentgrass! Creeping bentgrass is the grass used on golf greens. It’s the ultimate landscape.

What’s the secret ingredient in your famous chili?

I knew you were going to ask that. It’s just such a hodgepodge of things. I just start throwing it altogether. Alright, I’d say the Worcestershire sauce, or as my father told me over 40 years ago, ‘What’s this here sauce?’

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?

Golfing in Myrtle Beach, SC. I go every year when the crowds are gone and the weather is still great. It’s my least best kept secret.

What’s your craziest memory from when you attended the University of Maryland?

We were just finishing up a chemistry lab and as a lady got up to leave, she was putting her coat on and put her arm through not only the sleeve, but through the emergency shower ring. The place started flooding and the fire department showed up. Naturally, I’m still there trying to finish my lab as the fire department shows up.

What’s been your favorite course you’ve taught at the IAA?

The Introduction to Plant Science course. It covers a little bit of everything.

Is there a course you’d love to create and teach at the IAA? What is it?

Vino Culture: The Making of a Good Merlot. Wish I had more knowledge of making wine, but I certainly have a lot of experience drinking it.

If you had the day off and could do anything you wanted, what would you do?

Play golf on the Blue Course at Congressional, their championship course.

What’s your favorite holiday?

Christmas. It’s the only holiday I didn’t have to work outside for 30 years. I’ve worked outside on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, etc.

What’s your favorite memory since you started working at the IAA?

While Turkey Bowls are fun, I enjoy graduation. We like to try and roast our students. It’s nice to get to know the families of the students and have them all gathered together.