Photos by Olivia Garza '24
Story by Veronica Gonzalez Hoff

The grass is always green if Jose Diaz ‘23 is the one taking care of it. The graduate agronomy student found a fascination with sports turf grass after a YMCA field trip tour to Minute Maid Park in Houston. The trip is one of his earliest memories interacting with sports turf grass.  

Jose worked hard to transfer to Texas A&M University in 2016 to complete his undergraduate degree. He decided to major in turf grass science and joined Beta Upsilon Chi and the Turf Grass Club. Now as a graduate student, Jose is also a teaching assistant. 

“I am part of a small department, so it was important for me to figure out how to branch out to make friends and experience different areas of campus,” he shared.  

What makes the turf grass industry exciting and unique for Jose? It’s the combination of the thrill of sports, working outside, and being a part of something bigger. Jose is passionate about teaching students and the community about sustainability and integrated weed and pest management as well as soil and water conservation.  

Jose also recently took first place in student research week 2022 in the agriculture division. After he graduates, he hopes to get into turf consulting or sales. 

“I really enjoy being a member of the Turf Grass Club. It really helps educate students as well as prospective students both on and off campus,” Jose explained. “I have enjoyed helping other people learn more about turf and why the field can be exciting and a unique work environment.” 

Overcoming Obstacles and Transitions

Jose will tell you that finding his ground at Texas A&M wasn’t easy at first. Dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD made it hard for him to feel confident in his classes. He leaned on Disability Resources, a department in the Division of Student Affairs, to help him navigate his transition to a new campus taking difficult courses.  

“Disability Resources has been a huge resource for me when it comes to test taking and plugging me in with people that can help me understand why I struggle with certain aspects of college,” he shared. “I really owe a lot of thanks to Disability Resources because they helped me understand that I could succeed regardless of my learning disabilities and that is one of the reasons why I had the confidence to enter a graduate program.” 

Outside of his love for growing all things green, Jose is a proud Puerto Riceño and is embracing this side of himself as he learns more about his heritage. He also enjoys collecting sneakers and playing a round of golf or going hunting and fishing. Jose calls The Woodlands home, even though he was born in Jacksonville, Florida. His dad was in the Army, so he had the chance to experience different parts of the country while growing up.  

No matter where Jose ends up, he loves being a lifelong member of the Aggie community. “I love the traditions, the history, the 12th Man, and the fact that you can be in in another country and wear Texas A&M clothes, and people will come up to you and talk about the university and being a former student.” 

You can support the Aggie Turf Club and other student organizations at Texas A&M University. To learn more, contact Reagan Chessher '96, senior director of development, at [email protected] or call 979-458-1689.