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Tom Knowles
Director of Grounds Management at University of South Carolina
Thomas Knowles is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in grounds management, horticulture instruction, and urban forestry consulting.
Currently serving as the Director of Grounds Management in the Department of Facilities at the University of South Carolina since 2001, Thomas has demonstrated exemplary leadership and expertise in managing campus landscapes.
In addition to his role at the university, he has been an Adjunct Horticulture Instructor at Midlands Technical College in Columbia, SC for over two decades.
Thomas Knowles is also the President of Taylor & Knowles, Inc., a renowned firm specializing in urban forestry and arboriculture consulting in Columbia, S.C. since 1991.
His passion for educating others is evident through his work as a Guest Lecturer at Clemson University, where he imparts knowledge on Urban Forestry and Urban Tree Care.
Thomas is affiliated with prestigious organizations such as the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS), the Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA), the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and TreesSC, where he served as a Founding Member and Past President.
His expertise is validated through certifications as a Certified Arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture, a Certified Nursery Professional from the South Carolina Nursery Association, and a Certified Natural Resource Expert from American Forests' Global ReLeaf Program.
Thomas Knowles has pursued education and professional development through various institutes and universities, including the South Carolina Forest Resource Institute, Suffern High School in NY, the APPA Institute for Facilities Management, and the Municipal Forestry Institute.
He holds a BS in College of Forestry - Parks from West Virginia University and an AAS in Natural Resources from the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill.
With his rich background in grounds management, horticulture, and forestry, Thomas Knowles continues to make significant contributions to the field, drawing upon his vast experience and expertise.
