1932
Born to Rosa MacDowell Riggs and Grace Riggs in Pocahontas, Arkansas.
1954
Earns a Bachelor of Science in agriculture from the University of Arkansas.
1954
Is a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas.
1954
Marries Jennie Lee Willis.
1955
Is a graduate assistant at North Carolina State University until 1958.
1956
Earns a Master of Science in plant pathology from the University of Arkansas.
1958
Earns a Doctor of Philosophy in in plant pathology from North Carolina State University.
1958
Teaches as an assistant professor at the University of Arkansas.
1962
Teaches as an associate professor at the University of Arkansas.
1967
Teaches as a plant pathology and nematology educator, researcher, and professor at the University of Arkansas.
1982
Becomes the editor of Nematology in the Southern United States.
1987
Serves as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Nematology until 1990.
1992
Serves as a co-editor of “Biology and Management of the Soybean Cyst Nematode.”
1999
Serves as the chair of Faculty of the College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
1993
Becomes the president of the Society of Nematologists.
2000
Receives the Outstanding Researcher Award from the Arkansas Association of Cooperative Extension Specialists.
2002
Receives the Meritorious Service Award from the United Soybean Board.
2002
Retires from his profession.