From the Cotton Patch to Ph.D.

Book excerpt: "As agronomy is the care of the soil and Dr. Arnold's life work, he shares with the reader his care for the soul as he travels through life in this insightful autobiography. The reader becomes a visitor in the lively dialog among family members and colleagues as Dr. Arnold reveals conflicts and resolutions in the world of faith and science. His subtle sense of humor adds a light touch to this amazing journey." - Anne S. Owens, President Samar Publishing Inc. "Wendell Arnold's beautifully written story of his life is so intriguing I couldn't put it down. When you read this book, you will discover the author is a man who dearly loves his family and friends. Furthermore, his completely committed faith in our Lord is a role model for all Christians." - Doris Hodges "Faith and Science. Can one person truly emote to these two different worlds? In this book, the autobiographer reveals his unwavering deep faith, while overcoming many challenges as he lived a professional life as a well respected and successful scientist. Read on and discover a true story that is deep in meaning, yet inter spaced with happy family memories and light diversions. The reader will have much to ponder long after the end of the book." - Jo Watkins "Science and religion walk hand in hand in Wendell Arnold's journey from a farm boy to the holder of a Doctorate in phytopathology and numerous patents in the environmental field. In From the Cotton Patch to Ph.D. we encounter a warm and readable story of a man's life defined by scientific inquiry and his relationship to Jesus Christ." - Bob Libby, Author and Episcopal Priest "Wendell Arnold's story of his Christian walk in life's journey is inspiring, heart-warming and a window into mid-century American life. Dr. Arnold's disarming and self-deprecating account of his experiences in family, youth, marriage, professional life and retirement paint a personal portrait of how to be aware of Christ's constant presence in our daily lives. Sit back and enjoy your travels with Wendell, knowing that you will find strength in his example." - Ruth D. Foss, Diocesan President, Daughters of the King. The title From the Cotton Patch to Ph.D. is by its very nature autobiographical. Wendell Arnold tells about being from a family of nine kids whose parents are share croppers. The experience in the cotton patch to dealing with corporate political challenges, environmental issues and legal avenues blended with raising a family paints the picture of a managed life. He shares his profound experience with God in his life as the adventures take more twists and turns than a rattlesnake chasing his prey. Dr. Arnold is a scientist with a BS and MS in Agronomy and a Ph.D. in Plant Sciences. He holds over ten patents on compound efficacy to control plant pathogens and is the author or co-author of over 35 scientific papers that have been published in refereed journals. Dr. Arnold skillfully tells his intriguing story of growing up picking cotton and becoming a world renowned scientist with faith in God. His story is a must read for those who think that religion, science and environmental improvement don't mix.