Legacy of Plant Pathologist Paul Vincelli

By Blake Jackson

Paul Vincelli, a respected figure in plant pathology, is retiring after 35 years of service at the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. His career was defined by a passion for sustainability, international agriculture, research, and student engagement.

Vincelli’s work in the Cooperative Extension Service focused on diagnosing plant diseases affecting corn, forage, and turfgrass. He played a crucial role in developing strategies to improve plant health, especially for Kentucky farmers.

Vincelli made a global impact through teaching and collaboration, contributing to over 150 publications and earning international recognition. He also worked on projects in Colombia and Nicaragua during his time in the U.S. Peace Corps, which helped shape his global perspective.

One of his major achievements was helping to create the online Master of Science in Science Translation and Outreach (STO) program. His colleagues, like Larry Grabau and Jimmy Henning, praised his leadership in launching and expanding this initiative, which allows county agents to earn advanced degrees without relocating.

Henning recalled Vincelli’s discovery of aphanomyces, a new disease affecting alfalfa, which led to changes in seeding recommendations. Vincelli was also known for making scientific topics accessible to students and the public.

To explain plant pathology, Vincelli often connected it to everyday life -

“If they are puzzled, I ask them what they had for breakfast. And they might say, toast and orange juice. If so, I will suggest that these come from plants.”

Vincelli has won several awards, including the APS Excellence in Teaching Award and UK’s Great Teacher Award. He also served as a Jefferson Science Fellow and earned three Fulbright awards.

His contributions extend beyond Kentucky through his work on genetically engineered crops, climate resiliency, and sustainable agriculture. Vincelli believes in the power of international collaboration to improve agriculture globally.

“Working in international agriculture overseas was a privilege,” he said. “We need to be influential in the world. When we lead, everyone wins.”

To learn more about plant pathology at UK, visit plantpathology.ca.uky.edu.

Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky