Rate My Professor Vitalis W. Temu

Vitalis W. Temu serves as a professor in the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University, where he has held appointments at the Agricultural Research Station for more than 14 years. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Agronomy focused on forage ecology from Mississippi State University in 2011 and a Master of Science from Sokoine University of Agriculture. His academic career includes roles as Associate Professor and later promotion to Full Professor of Small Ruminants and Forage Ecology, during which he has led research programs on forage ecology, grazing management, and sustainable practices for small ruminants.

Dr. Temu’s research centers on small ruminants and forage ecology, encompassing studies of native warm-season grasses, simulated grazing responses, and applications for livestock systems. He received the 2023-2024 Outstanding Faculty Rising Star Award in the Teaching-Non-Tenure Track category. His scholarly output includes multiple publications, with work appearing in journals such as Agronomy, and he has contributed to capacity-building grants and extension activities supporting Virginia agriculture. He has also participated in editorial roles and collaborative projects with farmers and researchers.