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To: The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents and Provost André-Denis Wright

We respectfully request reconsideration of the decision to discontinue the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program. Recent program achievements and growth trajectory demonstrate viability that warrants further review.

DEMONSTRATED GROWTH AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Enrollment Growth: The program has achieved historic enrollment over the past three academic years, with expected enrollment of 8-10 students for AY 2025-2026—representing consistent upward trajectory, not decline.

Credit Hour Generation: Credit hours have nearly doubled over the past five academic years through expanded course offerings across multiple programs, directly contributing to the university's revenue generation.

External Funding Potential: The program's 40th anniversary celebration (AY 2025-2026) includes fundraising initiatives targeting a $25,000 endowed scholarship, demonstrating alumni engagement and philanthropic potential.

Recent Accreditation Success: In fall 2024, the program received a six-year LAAB reaccreditation—the maximum term possible—with strong endorsements from national organizations, alumni, and industry professionals. This followed a university review that led President Harroz and Provost Wright to decide to maintain the program, based on community engagement efforts and recruitment strength.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT

Licensure Focus: Increased emphasis on professional preparation has resulted in more graduates from the three-year accredited MLA program than from the non-accredited track, directly contributing to Oklahoma's licensed professional workforce, where demand exists. The significant growth of Oklahoma City as the 20th largest city in the U.S., $2.7 billion dollar infrastructure investment, MAPS projects, Downtown District Master Plans for Tulsa, and the Downtown Oklahoma City Master Plan development by internationally recognized firm, Sasaki, and the preparation of the 2028 Olympic Games, and expected future development exemplify an increase in job opportunities. 

Active Recruitment: The program consistently achieves a 100% post-graduation job placement rate, underscoring the value of an OU Landscape Architecture degree in today’s competitive market.

STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT WITH UNIVERSITY MISSION

President Harroz's Health Initiative: The program directly supports goals to reduce cancer deaths by 10% and diabetes complications by 30% by designing accessible green spaces and community infrastructure, which has been shown to improve quality of life and measurable health outcomes.

Community Engagement Leadership: The program is nationally recognized as a leader in community engagement education. Institute for Quality Communities, a community engagement program at the University of Oklahoma's Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture, partners with Oklahoma communities to address local challenges and brings best practices to Oklahomans. 75% of all IQC projects that reach implementation are Landscape Architecture projects.

• University of Central Oklahoma
• EPA RainWorks Challenge
• RestoreOKC (Northeast Oklahoma City)
• Seminole Nation and Maple Leaf Resorts
• Cities of Checotah and Guthrie
• Tribal nations and historically underserved communities

These projects provide pro bono professional services valued at thousands of dollars to Oklahoma communities while training students.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION AND REPUTATION IMPACT

40 Year Legacy: Since 1985, the University of Oklahoma's Graduate Landscape Architecture program has provided the best possible educational experience for students through excellence in teaching, research, creative activity, and service to the state and society.

Awards and Fellowships: Student Frank Hicks received the prestigious LAF Ignite Fellowship, spotlighting MLA@OU nationally. Four students won awards from conference and competition entries in AY 2024-2025.

Faculty Leadership: Dr. Sarah Little, Associate Director of the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Design (PLAD) of Gibbs College of Architecture, was invited as Co-Director of the International Federation of Landscape Architects Children and Youth Working Program and received CELA's Excellence in Service-Learning Award.

Student Investment: The program provided $7,500 for conference travel and $355 for competition entries, with 19 students receiving funding in AY 2024-2025. Six students received Gibbs College scholarships totaling $8,250.

Reputational Concerns: Discontinuing a program immediately following maximum-term reaccreditation raises questions about institutional decision-making and may impact:

• University credibility with accrediting bodies
• Future recruitment across all programs
• Negative feelings in the community/state through the loss of the program's community engagement projects
• Removing social and economic growth opportunities for communities throughout the state, especially disadvantaged communities that would benefit most from this program's work
• Alumni confidence and philanthropic engagement
• Regional and national academic reputation, creating a blemish on the University

The program has demonstrated growth, secured maximum-term accreditation, achieved national recognition, and provides substantial community service aligned with the university's strategic priorities. We respectfully ask that these factors warrant reconsideration of the discontinuation decision.

To learn more about the MLA program, see MLA @ OU's Annual Report.

For questions or to add your voice to this effort, contact:

Elaina Maurer
Undergraduate Student of Environmental Design | Graduate Student of Landscape Architecture | SCASLA Secretary

elaina@ou.edu | 405.740.1295

By signing, I support the reversal of the University of Oklahoma's discontinuation of its Master of Landscape Architecture program.

Deadline: January 28, 2025 11:59 pm
Submitted to: OU Board of Regents and Provost André-Denis Wright