Kathryn Nelson, Assistant Department Chair and a long-standing Senior Lecturer, has been named an Associate Professor of Practice within Texas Tech University’s Department of Landscape Architecture, according to Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources officials. She officially steps into her newly defined teaching, research and administrative post on Sept. 1.
“In my new role, I am committed to strengthening the connections between the professional landscape architecture industry, our department, and our students,” Nelson said.
“Ensuring that our students possess a strong knowledge base before entering professional practice is essential. My long-term goal is to make a meaningful contribution to the department, support student interests and career paths, and continue advancing my knowledge in the field.”
Department of Landscape Architecture Chair Leehu Loon noted that Nelson’s proven success and extensive teaching experience demonstrate her skills in delivering important course content and sparking interest in the next generation of landscape architects.
“Kathryn connects and inspires students through a positive classroom atmosphere that promotes engagement and intellectual growth,” he said.
Through course content and guidance, Nelson said she is focused on the learning environment and leading students to succeed in the classroom. In the past, the Virginia native has centered her teaching efforts in the graphic and digital communication of the landscape and is taking steps to advance student abilities to efficiently maneuver across a wide variety of platforms.
In addition to digital communication, Nelson is a certified SITES AP, a credential that establishes a common framework to define the profession of sustainable landscape design and development. She is also developing additional course content that effectively incorporates the importance of sustainability and performance metrics as part of the curriculum.
Prior to joining the Texas Tech faculty, Nelson served as teaching assistant within the Department of Landscape Architecture. She received her BLA degree and MLA in Landscape Architecture from Texas Tech. Honors include the Presidents Excellence in Academic Advising Award (2024, 2018) in addition to the university’s ‘Raiders Who Rock Award’ (2017) and Davis College Instructor Award (2014).
Earlier in her career she was chair elect of the West Texas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (2019) and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
The Department of Landscape Architecture is one of seven departments within the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources. It is accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects that lead to a Bachelor (BLA) or Master (MLA) of Landscape Architecture.
There are eight faculty members in the department, with facilities in two campus buildings. Departmental and faculty offices are housed in the Davis College Annex with classroom and studio facilities. In addition, students have access to a recently renovated historic Livestock Pavilion. The Fall 2024 enrollment was 103 BLA students and 11 MLA students.
CONTACT: Leehu Loon, Professor and Chair, Department of Landscape Architecture, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-5215 or Leehu.Loon@ttu.edu
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