A national organization of landscape professionals is honoring a Mississippi State University landscape architecture and environmental design faculty member.
Jason Walker, associate professor and undergraduate coordinator for the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design in MSU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has been named Outstanding Educator of the Year by the National Association of Landscape Professionals Foundation. This event marked the 49th annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition, this year hosted by Colorado State University.
“Being named Outstanding Educator of the Year is a very humbling and satisfying experience,” Walker said. “What gives me the most satisfaction though is seeing my former students return to campus and represent the companies and offices they now work for and knowing that I might have had a small part in shaping their career trajectory and helping them have successful professional careers.”
The event had 29 different workshops, a career fair and competitions among students enrolled in horticulture and landscape programs from colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada. Overall, 54 colleges and universities participated in the competition, aiming to raise professionalism in the landscape industry and provide students with practical skills for the workforce.
Anne Spafford, professor and landscape architecture and environmental design department head, said Walker was the perfect candidate for this accolade because of the consistent passion, care and dedication he brings to both his students and the field.
“When our faculty discussed who we should nominate for this award, it was a no-brainer. Jason is one of the most versatile professors on our faculty, teaching a wide variety of classes with passion and in a way that truly resonates with students,” Spafford said. “His commitment and dedication to our students, his collegiality and helpfulness in the department, and his continued engagement of landscape industry professionals are nothing short of exemplary.”
The Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design offers undergraduate majors in landscape architecture and landscape contracting and management, a dual-degree option combining both programs, and a Master of Landscape Architecture degree. Learn more at https://www.lalc.msstate.edu.