Jun 22, 2012

(Not) The Retiring Type By Tim Hodson

Dr. Jim Barrett, GPN’s consulting editor, is “retiring” from the University of Florida at the end of this month.

There’s a reason why I used quotation marks around the word “retiring,” because for those of you who know Dr. Barrett, you already know he has never been the retiring type.

I have known about Jim’s “retirement” and “post-retirement” plans for a while now, but I thought I would give him the opportunity to tell the industry in his own words, what he plans to do next. Below is the e-mail that he sent me:

Tim,

After 34.5 years, my official retirement from full-time employment at the University of Florida is coming up on July 1, which has led to numerous questions as to my plans.

Some questions are coming from my wife, Claudia, who is campaigning for gardening and travel. And, we will be doing more of both.

I have committed for at least two more years to work part-time at UF on special projects, which will include the poinsettia research and variety trials, some contract research and other student activities.

Additionally, my consulting activities with Visions Group and serving as consulting editor for GPN will continue. So, both retirement and work will be part time.

I look forward to seeing everyone at OFA next month.

Jim

So as you can see, he’s not retiring, he’s just shifting his status.

Starting next Monday, he’s not retired, he’s a “part-timer” – at home and at the university!