Department of Landscape Architecture Receives LAAB Reaccreditation

A huge congratulations goes out to Professor and Department Head of Landscape Architecture Gene Bressler, FASLA, and the Department of Landscape Architecture here at the College of Design, who just received final reaccreditation status from the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB) for the First Professional Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program! Re-accreditation reviews are scheduled every 6 years, and the report by the reaccreditation team that visited in Feburary 2016 found that the program meets and/or exceeds all LAAB accreditation standards!

The LAAB “Overall Analysis” of the program states:

• “The MLA program has recognition, appreciation, and support at all levels of administration on campus, including the Chancellor and the Provost.  It has developed good working relationships within the College of Design and with academic units throughout the University. The MLA program is well served by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable support staff in administration, marketing, development, and instructional technology.
• The Department has established strong connections and fruitful alliances with alumni and the professional community throughout North Carolina.  The professional mentoring program matches students with local area licensed landscape architects who advise students on portfolio design, resume writing, job hunting techniques, and technical skills expected of prospective employees.  Many alumni and other professionals teach courses, give lectures, and participate in studio critiques.
• The Department has outstanding teaching and research faculty who are creating new knowledge for the profession through academic rigor, extensive research programs, creative engagement with the community, and collaborations with scholars in allied fields, with practitioners, and with students.  Their accomplishments are recognized on campus, across the country, and around the world.
• The MLA program has attentive, talented, and hardworking students who think deeply and critically about their work and about the profession of landscape architecture.  Through their coursework, studio projects, and community service they are advancing new ideas that will carry the profession into the future.  They are well prepared to meet the challenges of a world that is constantly testing limits of social, economic, and environmental justice, capacity, and sustainability.”

Dean Mark Hoversten, himself a landscape architect who joined the College of Design in July, said:

Congratulations to the entire Landscape Architecture team. Accreditation is a bedrock issue that demonstrates the strength of our program. Special kudos to Gene.

Well done!”