James E. Nugent is District Horticulturist for Northwest Michigan, MSU Extension. As coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station, his responsibilities include overseeing the administration and management of the NWMHRS, as well as coordinating research activities and developing and conducting selected research projects. He is dedicated to working with fruit growers, industry-related personnel and MSU research and extension agents to develop and coordinate educational programs that will contribute to the biological sustainability and economic strength of the Michigan fruit industry. He serves as a statewide leader for cherry Extension programming and serves on the Tart Cherry Industry Strategy Planning Council. He also provides real-time horticultural and IPM information to growers, consultants, and Extension field staff via code-a-phones, "FaxNet," Internet, newsletters, etc.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture at Michigan State University in 1972, specializing in Horticultural Marketing. He received his Masters in Entomology in 1975, with specialization in Fruit Integrated Pest Management. He has received Distinguished Service Awards from The Cherry Marketing Institute, the Leelanau Horticultural Society, and Northwest Michigan Farm Bureau.