House Resolution 43

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY AND RECOGNIZING ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATION, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi State University (MSU) Department of Landscape Architecture is celebrating 60 years of excellence in education, research and service, marking a significant milestone in its legacy of shaping the landscapes of Mississippi and beyond; and

WHEREAS, the roots of the department trace back to 1878 with the establishment of Mississippi's Agricultural and Mechanical College as a land-grant institution, dedicated to advancing agricultural sciences and practical education; and

WHEREAS, in 1879, coursework in Landscape Gardening was introduced, paving the way for the study of landscape design, which would evolve into the discipline of Landscape Architecture; and

WHEREAS, in 1920, Mississippi State College (formerly Mississippi A&M) was authorized to offer a degree in Horticulture, further incorporating Landscape Design coursework from 1920 to 1964 within the horticultural curriculum; and

WHEREAS, the transformation of the program took a significant step in 1964, when the Landscape Architecture curriculum originated within the Horticulture Department, setting the foundation for what would become an independent academic unit; and

WHEREAS, in 1967, the degree in Landscape Architecture transitioned from a Bachelor of Science to a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.), with the course prefix changing from Horticulture (HO) to Landscape Architecture (LA) and that same year, the first B.L.A. degree was awarded; and

WHEREAS, the department continued to grow with the development of curricula in Landscape Contracting and Parks and Recreation Administration in 1971, achieving its first accreditation in 1973 and securing its status as a department within the College of Agriculture in 1975; and

WHEREAS, since its establishment, the Department of Landscape Architecture has played an essential role in training professionals who integrate land-use planning, environmental conservation and innovative design, addressing regional issues such as erosion control, wetland conservation and historic preservation; and

WHEREAS, the department's influence expanded through the introduction of a Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.) program in 2000, with the first M.L.A. degree awarded in 2002 and achieving full accreditation in 2008, ensuring that graduate-level education in landscape architecture met national standards of excellence; and

WHEREAS, the department has continued to evolve with the renaming of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1996, the move to a state-of-the-art facility in 2003 and the addition of concentrations in Landscape Business Management and Landscape Ecosystem Management in 2024; and

WHEREAS, in 2024, the department underwent a significant transformation with its renaming to the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design and the absorption of the Environmental Science major, further reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and interdisciplinary education; and

WHEREAS, the department has hosted prestigious events such as the National Collegiate Landscape Competition in 2016 and 2023, strengthening its reputation as a leader in landscape education and professional development; and

WHEREAS, the university will celebrate the department's history and success on September 18 through 20, 2025, honoring its achievements and contributions to landscape architecture, environmental stewardship and sustainable land-use planning; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend institutions such as the Mississippi State University Department of Landscape Architecture, which has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to academic excellence, community engagement and environmental sustainability:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the Mississippi State University Department of Landscape Architecture upon the occasion of its 60th anniversary, recognize its significant contributions to education and environmental stewardship and extend best wishes for its continued success in the years to come.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Mississippi State University Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.