After the war, Tee returned to academics, receiving his Master’s degree in Horticultural Physiology from the University of Maryland. In 1958, he earned his Ph.D in Horticulture, also from the University of Maryland. That same year, he received a Danforth Teaching Fellowship, the only South Carolinian in agriculture to ever receive one. While on the Fellowship, he became interested in plant growth regulation. It was during that time that he met a Norwegian, Per Bye Ohrstrom, an international authority on seaweed. After several conversations with Ohrstrom about the growth-promoting properties of seaweed, Tee approached the National Science Foundation seeking his first grant for seaweed research. What has followed has been over forty years of research, which has produced a growth enhancer that is totally organic and environmentally safe.

Tee has many accomplishments to his credit. In 1960 he became head of the Horticulture Department at Clemson University, a post he held until he retired as Head Professor Emeritus in 1981. During his tenure, he oversaw the creation of a garden for the blind that has been visited by people from all over the world. He has over 100 publications to his credit, including his book Seaweed and Plant Growth.

Tee has received awards from numerous organizations including the Outstanding Educator of America, the National Council of Garden Clubs Silver and Gold Seal Award, Clemson University Distinguished Alumnus Award and a Presidential Citation from the Garden Club of South Carolina. The Thomas Green Clemson Medallion, which is the highest honor bestowed by Clemson University, is considered his finest award.  Email Dr. Senn