Growing Excellence in Turfgrass Education

When Dewayne Krege first enrolled at Lees-McRae College, he envisioned a future in business. However, a love for the outdoors and a part-time job at Elk River Country Club ignited a passion for golf course management that led him from NC State’s Agricultural Institute (AGI) turfgrass program to an impactful career in green education. 

Now a teacher and mentor at Avery County High School, Krege is using his industry experience, education, and professional network to shape the next generation of green industry professionals. His nationally recognized 2025 turfgrass competition team is proof positive of his effect in the classroom.

A Backdoor Path to NC State

Krege took a unique route to NC State, earning a bachelor’s degree in business from Lees-McRae before deciding to pursue turfgrass management. 

After engaging part-time work experiences, he enrolled in NC State’s two-year Agricultural Institute turfgrass program, where he learned from top professors like Charles Peacock, Art Bruneau, and Bryce Lane.

“Dr. Bruneau made me feel like I was the only person on that campus. He cared about me as an individual, and that made all the difference.”

That mentorship helped Krege navigate his career, leading to roles in golf course management and green industry sales. Yet, it was a conversation with a former teacher that planted the seed for his transition into education.

From Industry to the Classroom

His family’s legacy inspired Krege’s transition from the turfgrass industry to teaching. Both of his parents were educators, and though he initially pursued a different path, he realized that he had been teaching all along—on the golf course, training employees, and mentoring colleagues. 

A conversation with a former high school teacher about expanding the school’s agricultural program led him to consider the impact he could have in the classroom.

“I started to realize that when I was on the golf course, I was teaching people every day—helping them develop skills, understand turf management, and grow in their roles. It just made sense to transition into education.”

Since 1999, Krege has taught turfgrass, horticulture, and ag mechanics at Avery County High School, leveraging his industry experience to give students real-world insights. 

Advancing Turfgrass Education Starting in High School

Krege is deeply passionate about FFA’s three-pillar mission: personal growth, leadership development and career success, which he says works because it’s fun outside of the classroom and has a proven track record. 

He is so committed to this branch of STEM education that he helped develop the local course option for turfgrass management through the NC Department of Public Instruction, now available as AP-43 Turfgrass Management.

Because turfgrass was not initially a standalone option within agricultural education, Krege sought special approval to implement the course as a local option before it was adopted statewide. 

This Wolfpacker doesn’t quit. Why such passion for this industry?

“I know the opportunity this industry provides. I’ve seen friends build successful careers in turfgrass management, sales, and research. It’s a field that offers a good quality of life and fulfilling work. That’s why I wanted to make sure students had access to this curriculum.”

The AP-43 course provides a structured pathway for high school students interested in turfgrass careers, ensuring they gain industry-relevant knowledge and hands-on experience. The curriculum is now available to agriculture education teachers throughout North Carolina.

Building Careers from the Classroom

Krege isn’t a typical teacher. His teaching philosophy is rooted in hands-on learning, networking, and character-building. Krege helps students secure internships at prestigious golf courses like Augusta National and Diamond Creek, ensuring they gain valuable field experience before graduation. They, like most NC State turfgrass graduates, are a hot industry commodity.

“My job as a teacher and coach is to light a spark, encourage and don’t let them quit. Many of these kids have never been on a golf course before. Hands-on competition experience gives them the confidence to walk through those gates.”

National Champions in Turf Science

One of Krege’s proud moments is coaching his Future Farmers of America (FFA) competition team, which recently won the national Turf Science Invitational—a new event jointly hosted by FFA, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA). 

His group took first place in the team competition as well as the first and second place individual competitions. He sees this competition as a stair step to achievement.

“Competition drives success. Winning begets winning. When students see their peers interning at Augusta National or becoming assistant superintendents right out of school, they realize what’s possible.”

He’s crazy proud of his students but hopes the most significant outcome of the competition win is visibility.

“FFA has historically not focused on turfgrass. I hope this event shines a light on a growing, viable sector of agriculture. It’s just limitless where students can go.”

Beyond Turf: A Lasting Legacy

While Krege takes pride in the professional success of his students, he values their personal growth even more. Many return years later to share life milestones, from career achievements to personal celebrations.

“The ultimate victory for me isn’t about awards or promotions—it’s when a former student invites me to their wedding or baby shower or tells me about a personal milestone. That means the most.”

Krege’s dedication to his students, church and community is facilitated by the unwavering support of his family, especially his wife Kelley. Through his professional commitment, Krege is not just teaching turfgrass—he’s cultivating a new generation of well-equipped professionals to lead the industry. 

“My job is to teach individual students about life – how to make them better people. If they learn something about turfgrass or agriculture along the way, that’s a home run. NC State taught me that.”

Want More Pack Impact?

If you are looking for an academic path that leads to a career of impact, consider crop and soil sciences. Our students learn from expert professors and experience hands-on adventures every day.  

Learn more about our student degree pathways, including deep dives into our agronomy, soil science and turfgrass programs. Then, join us for a guided email tour of our Crop & Soil Sciences Department.  

Connecting students with fertile careers is just part of how we are growing the future.