The K-State faculty member received the prestigious award March 15.
RALEIGH, N.C. – Greg Davis, Kansas State University associate professor of landscape design and undergraduate programs director for the Department of Horticulture, Forestry and Recreation Resources, was honored as the 2015 PLANET Academic Excellence Foundation (AEF) Outstanding Educator of the Year. He was presented this honor at the conclusion of the 39th annual Student Career Days in Raleigh, North Carolina March 15.
According to the PLANET AEF website, “The Educator of the Year Award was initiated to recognize educators who have been passionate supporters and tireless ambassadors of the landscape industry. Recipients of the award are individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. They have contributed time, energy and enthusiasm to their programs, and show dedication to the education of future industry leaders.”
“It means a lot,” Davis said of the award. “I’m humbled and also honored. It is a national award, and I think it is validation of the program (at K-State). It’s not just about me. Nine of our students were awarded scholarships funded through the generosity of industry professionals.”
PLANET AEF is a multimillion-dollar foundation dedicated to advancing the landscape industry. Its mission is “to attract, inspire and support the education and advancement of landscape professionals who create and manage healthy green spaces for the benefit of society.”
The foundation has awarded more than $800,000 in scholarships to students majoring in areas such as horticulture and landscaping.
“The plaque is not large enough for all the names that should be on it,” Davis said. “Unfortunately, they only choose one every year. All of our faculty members are outstanding educators in my opinion. My involvement with the team wouldn’t be near what it is without my colleague, Dr. Cathie Lavis.”
For more information, go to the PLANET AEF website. For further information, go to the K-State Department of Horticulture, Forestry and Recreation Resources website.
