Bios     >Host-Maggie Lawrence     >Contributor-Kerry Smith     >Contributor-Dave Williams        >Contributor-J. Raymond Kessler, Jr.      >Contributor-Joe Kemble       >Contributor-Charles C. Mitchell J. Raymond Kessler, Jr.        J. Raymond Kessler, Jr., is an associate professor in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University specializing in greenhouse management and production of herbaceous plant materials. He joined the AU Department of Horticulture faculty in 1995.        His current areas of responsibility include teaching and extension efforts in the field of commercial floriculture. He teaches classes in greenhouse management science, herbaceous ornamental plants, and advanced growth and development of horticultural plants.        Kessler received his B.S. degree from Auburn University, M.S. degree from Mississippi State University, and the Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. Before accepting the faculty position at Auburn, he gained commercial experience working for more than eight years with several wholesale and retail firms. He is a native of Clayton, Alabama.