Hubert Byrd was a pioneering soil scientist and a founding figure in North Carolina's soil science community. Born near Valdosta, Georgia, and a veteran of World War II, Mr. Byrd received degrees in agriculture and soil science from the University of Georgia and later attended the Soil Science Institute at Cornell University.

His distinguished career included:

• Soil mapping with USDA-SCS across Georgia and North Carolina

• Service as a Soils Advisor to the South Vietnamese government (1967)

• Leadership as State Soil Scientist for North Carolina (1969–1983)

• Co-founding Soil and Environmental Consultants, Inc.

• Writing the standard wetland definition still used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

• Serving as the first Chairman of the NC Board for Licensing of Soil Scientists

Mr. Byrd received the SSSNC Annual Achievement Award in 1977 and remained a dedicated consultant until his passing in 2000. This scholarship honors his legacy and commitment to mentoring future soil scientists.

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