AVC STANDOUT VETERAN PROFESSOR LAUDED FOR SERVICE AND COMMITMENT.

Byline: Daily News

PALMDALE - Antelope Valley College professor Neal Weisenberger was named Wednesday as the college's scholar in residence, AVC's top recognition for faculty members.

A faculty member for 20 years, Weisenberger teaches landscaping and agriculture courses, writes a newspaper column on gardening and is an Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency board member.

``I'm honored and pleased,'' Weisenberger said of the award.

Weisenberger was picked by a vote of the college's faculty governing body, the Academic Senate, based on his commitment to serving students and advancing his profession, college officials said.

The 19th person honored as scholar in residence, Weisenberger will receive a $750 stipend and be asked to conduct a presentation for the public next year.

Weisenberger got his first landscaping job at 14, working for his father who was a farmer and landscaper in the San Joaquin Valley. He got a set of golf clubs rather than a paycheck.

Weisenberger had known since high school that he wanted to teach agriculture. He pursued his dream by earning bachelor's and master's degrees from California State Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo.

He planned to teach high school, but there was an opening at Antelope Valley College.

``I interviewed on a Wednesday, was hired Friday and started working the following Tuesday,'' he said.

The scholar in residence award goes to a full-time instructor who increases knowledge in his or her discipline, brings credit to the college, offers insights to students and is dedicated to innovation and excellence in education, the college says.

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(color) Neal Weisenberger, a landscape and agriculture professor, has been named Antelope Valley College scholar in residence for his service to AVC students.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer