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Mark Goheen |
ISA is a professional organization dedicated to fostering a greater appreciation for trees and to promoting research, technology and the professional practice of arboriculture.
Earning professional certification has long been a dream for Goheen, but he never felt he had the time required for the intense study it would involve. An injury and temporary disability last year presented him with the time, and he decided he could put it to good use.
"I had so much time on my hands," Goheen said. "I don’t watch television, and the days were so long."
He contacted ISA, and obtained the literature, which broke down the areas for study. Goheen gathered additional resources and studied such topics as tree identification, assessment, diseases, insects, tree nutrition, identification, biology and pruning. Although some of the material served as a refresher for him, other subjects required intense study and application.
"I got up each morning, ate breakfast and went for my walk," he said. "Then I spent three to five long, hard hours studying."
Continuing education is an ongoing fact of life for Goheen. As a certified pesticide applicator licensed through the Ohio Department of Agriculture, attending seminars and keeping his license current are part of his job.
Goheen, who has an associate degree in turf and landscape, began working at Wittenberg as a groundskeeper in June 1982. His abilities were quickly recognized, and he was promoted to his current position in April 1984.
"I’m really happy I did it [obtained the certification]," Goheen said. "The benefits were two-fold. It gave me the opportunity to give something back to the university and at the same time better myself."
Written By: Phyllis Eberts
Photo By: Robbie Gantt
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