many of my learned experiences in my teaching.


WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING AN EDUCATOR? Watching students grow and enter- ing this amazing industry, so rewarding to see so many now with a foothold in our industry. Some work for companies, others owning their own business.


WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR? I have so many, but one that always


sticks was years ago when Michigan State hosted (NCLC). One of my students, Ambur Gossen, competed in irrigation design, a hard event. She came to my hotel that Thursday night so upset. She said she had tried so hard, and my response was, “Great, you gave it your all!” You can imagine our team’s surprise at the closing ceremony when Ambur was announced the winner of the event!


WHAT IS THE NO. 1 LESSON YOU HOPE STUDENTS TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR CLASSES?


I always say to them, “If you un- derstand how, you’ll have a job; if you understand why, you’ll be the boss or owner. You’ve come to earn your universi- ty degree to know the ‘why.’”


WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS AN EDUCATOR? Honestly, many young people have not been taught how to work hard and persist in challenging times, many want a grade handed to them. I will say I’m seeing a difference after COVID; I think many people realize how lucky they are to be here and to learn. I can’t put my finger on it, but many are more engaged than before COVID, they ask questions, seek understanding and want to try their


hand at whatever we might be doing in labs.


WHAT DO YOU THINK IS A SIGNIFICANT BARRIER PREVENTING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM BEING INTERESTED IN THE LAND- SCAPE INDUSTRY? They don’t know about horticulture, this too may change after COVID. As we have all seen, there is a renewed interest in nature, plants and being outside. So many young people get exposed to horticulture by grandparents and parents, working in their yards and gardens. I think people who did not grow plants before started last spring; we know this by plant shortages last spring. Also, this is hard work, many people have become too soft. I know I’m being honest, but it’s true. I love good physical work, and many young people have not had to work out- side. In summary, I go back to exposure to the world of horticulture.


WHO IS YOUR MENTOR?


I’ve been so blessed to have many supportive colleagues on my path of col- lege teaching. I do owe much to Dr. Greg Davis for asking me to help him coach our ALCA team back in 2003, we’ve been coaches for our team in every sense. Dr. Kim Williams has helped me a great deal, especially while earning my Ph.D. and she mentored me through the years of assistant professor through be- coming tenured and also as I moved up for promotion to full professor. Dr. Chad Miller and I have developed a strong study abroad program. This has been so enriching for both students and myself.


WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE THE EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR?


I am truly blessed to have had so many amazing students, colleagues and indus- try friends to interact with throughout my


National Association of Landscape Professionals 19


university career. This award recognition is such an honor and a wonderful way to end my teaching career.


IN FIVE YEARS, WHERE DO YOU SEE HORTICULTURE EDUCATION? Wow, that’s a challenging question. At this time, my teaching colleagues and I are actually trying to look into that same crystal ball! However, I think there will be a renewed interest in gardening, which will increase the demand for educated professionals as more laypeople will need help at the homeowner and com- munity level.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTH- ER HORTICULTURE EDUCATORS TRYING TO GET YOUNG PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE LANDSCAPING FIELD?


Most horticultural educators know that hands-on learning is critical, they must see, feel and touch what they are learn- ing. Even during COVID, my students had to go outside their homes and learn trees. They had to get up close and per- sonal. Same things with any topic, people have to physically adjust a sprinkler to really understand how to do it, watching someone else doesn’t work. This is true for any real learning in horticulture. TLP


Lavis first got involved


with NCLC in 2003. Photos: Greg Davis


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