Kathryn Nelson, an Associate Professor of Practice and Assistant Chair within Texas Tech’s Department of Landscape Architecture, is set to receive a Texas Tech President’s Excellence in Teaching Award, according to Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources officials. Nominated by Davis College Dean Clint Krehbiel, the honor recognizes individuals who have excelled in their teaching roles.
Teaching, to me, starts with being transparent, empathetic, and intentional.
“Teaching, to me, starts with being transparent, empathetic, and intentional,” Nelson said. “I strive to create a student-centered environment where clear expectations and adaptable strategies are key. My goal is to equip future landscape architects with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed in professional practice and contribute to sustainable solutions.”
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.
Department of Landscape Architecture Chair Leehu Loon added 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.
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 Davis College. 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 approximately 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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