The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky at the University of Kentucky has announced Scott Smith as the new acting director effective Aug. 1. 

Smith has been connected to The Arboretum for more than four decades. When he moved to Lexington, Kentucky in 1978, he consistently walked the area that is now home to the 100-acre public garden.  

During his tenure as dean of the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment from 2001 to 2013, Smith oversaw tremendous growth of The Arboretum through the legacy campaign including opening of the Kentucky Children’s Garden. 

After retiring from UK, Smith remained a huge supporter of The Arboretum —helping with fundraising, volunteering and continuing to walk the majestic property along with a myriad of others from the community. In 2022, Smith was also asked by Nancy Cox, Martin-Gatton CAFE dean, to serve as a consultant for The Arboretum. 

“I’m honored for this opportunity to help The Arboretum expand and reach more people,” said Smith. “I believe that this property can be a bigger resource for learning, offering more classrooms, workshops and events to the community. The Arboretum is not just a recreational park, but a place for everyone to learn.”  

Smith wants The Arboretum to continue being a place for everyone to create lasting memories. 

“When people come to The Arboretum, they immediately get attached,” Smith said. “Visitors love the gardens, trees, flowers, different structures and getting exercise. They create memories that last a lifetime.” 

Smith will be assuming this leadership role from Molly Davis, who has successfully led The Arboretum since 2014. He is committed to further developing The Arboretum as a vital resource for education and community involvement until a permanent director is hired. 

About the Arboretum 

The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, is a 100-acre public garden on the University of Kentucky campus in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky. Its mission is to showcase Kentucky’s landscapes and serve as a resource center for environmental and horticultural education, research and conservation. 

The Arboretum began in 1991 as a joint effort between UK and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. It’s currently managed through Martin-Gatton CAFE and was named the official State Botanical Garden for Kentucky in March 2000. 

The property receives over 500,000 visitors annually that come to enjoy and learn about some of the key features including the Walk Across Kentucky, the Horticultural Gardens and the Kentucky Children's Garden. 

To learn more about The Arboretum, visit arboretum.ca.uky.edu.

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