Q A Tell us about yourself, Dr. Barrick! From age 6, I have always been interested in plants. Growing up in Dothan, Alabama, I was surrounded by neighbors, all of whom gardened, and was fortunate to have had a grandfather who tended a two-acre vegetable garden until age 100. All my formal education has been plant related, earning a B.S. and M.S. in horticulture from Auburn University and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Other than two years & With Dr. William Barrick Past Chairman of the Visit Mobile Board of Directors Past Executive Director of Bellingrath Gardens & Home I served in the Army, my entire professional career was in horticulture, spending four years as a professor at the University of Florida, 20 years as director of gardens at Callaway Gardens and finally 20 years as executive director at Bellingrath Gardens & Home. What is something you have most enjoyed about being a Visit Mobile Board member? Without question, what I enjoyed most about serving on the Visit Mobile Board was the opportunity to learn from other members who have a broad array of talents and expertise. Under the leadership of David Clark, I have enjoyed working with the staff who are highly committed to marketing the City of Mobile. What do you love most about Mobile? There are so many things that I love about Mobile. For a city of this size, we are blessed to have so many cultural amenities, museums and attractions. We have a rich history as the oldest city in Alabama. Certainly, Mobile being the home of Mardi Gras makes our city unique. I am proud of Mobile’s rich horticultural legacy and nurserymen who have been giants in our industry. Any tips you would give to Mobile’s first-time visitors? The advice I would give first-time visitors is to experience our “Born to Celebrate” culture. Celebrate our first-class hotels, rich cuisine and a great diversity of attractions. Plan to spend several days in Mobile to fully experience our city. For repeat visitors, what would you tell them not to miss this time around? I‘d be remiss if I didn’t tell visitors to experience our anchor attractions: USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park and Bellingrath Gardens & Home. Scan here for Dr. Barrick’s recommended things to do and more. MOBILE.ORG | 3
Visit Mobile Vacation Guide 2026 Mobile Destination Guide: Page 3
