About the Department

Since 1939 the LAEP department has established a rich tradition of service to the Inter-Mountain West through professional education, expansion of knowledge through research and its dissemination, and service to our constituents. Our focus is on the practical and theoretical dimensions of sustainable natural and cultural systems, social and behavioral concerns, aesthetic sensitivities and engineering implementation. Students and faculty are engaged in the creative exploration, identification, analysis and appropriate resolution of design, planning and management issues. Current and future challenges include diminishing resources, expanding growth, diversification of population, increasing globalization and changing technologies.

With a student body of more than 20,000 the University has advantages of both large and small schools. Along with its fine educational facilities and excellent Learning Resource Center, the campus has a modern Fine Arts facility (where the LAEP department is located), a recreation building, and an expansive University Center. All of the above advantages are combined with the possibility for close, personal faculty advisory attention and student friendliness found only at smaller schools.

Our History

At the end of spring term of 1939, four students and an Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture packed up their bags and equipment and moved the only program of Landscape Architecture in the Intermountain West from BYU to Utah State Agricultural College. The relocated department opened its doors for business in Logan fall term, 1939, and fielded its first graduating class, 50% male / 50% female (there were two graduates!) in June 1940.

The professor was Laval Sidney Morris, founder and head of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning (LAEP) at USU for 25 years, until his retirement in June, 1964. He remained active in wood sculpture, travel, and writing until his death in 1983.

It has been nearly 70 years since then and how we’ve grown! From the handful of students who pioneered the program in 1939, we have spawned and alumni list of over 1200 graduates scattered throughout the US and numerous foreign countries. From crowded, poorly lit accommodation in the Plant Industry Building, our physical facilities have gradually improved via the basement of Old Main and the Mechanic Arts Building to our modern facilities in the Fine Arts Visual Building.

We certainly do have much to be proud of, but nothing more so than the accomplishments of you, our alumni, former students, former faculty, and friends. Your contributions to the planning and design of our environment have improved the quality of life in Utah, and the Intermountain West, and indeed throughout the nation and world. The collective success of out “Aggie LAEP family” in public, private, and academic practice have built the reputation we hold today. Having established a solid historical foundation, the Department eagerly anticipates the challenges of the future.