Patsy Eubanks Owens, associate dean of the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and a professor of landscape architecture, has been elected to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Council of Fellows. This prestigious honor recognizes her exceptional contributions to the profession and broader communities. Owens is one of this year’s 40 ASLA fellows, one of the highest honors the ASLA bestows on members.

“I’m honored and thrilled,” said Owens. “I’ve been a member of the ASLA since I was student; it is very meaningful to have this recognition.”

Owens earned a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia and her master’s degree from UC Berkeley. She began her teaching career at Virginia Tech and has been a member of the faculty at UC Davis since 1990. During her tenure, she served as chair of the Department of Environmental Design and the founding chair of the Department of Human Ecology, which incorporates three major programs: landscape architecture and environmental design, human development, and community and regional development.

During her more than 40-year career, Owens has profoundly impacted landscape architecture, with more than 40 publications and 60 design projects. Her research focuses on the connection between people and outdoor environments, particularly the inclusion of youth in urban spaces and integrating their voices into design decisions. Her efforts have progressed from understanding the needs of youth to exploring how the physical environment influences their development.

Among the classes she leads, “Place, Culture and Community,” is one of her favorites. It’s an introductory course that highlights the social dimensions of landscapes and everyday environments. Owens enjoys that class for how it helps students interpret the world around them.

“What I try to do in that class is open students’ eyes to look at the world in a different way,” she said. “It is extremely satisfying. There’s no better compliment than having a student say, ‘You really influenced me; I can’t go anywhere now without thinking about things in a different way.’ That’s a good thing.”

Jessie Lett, president of ASLA’s Sierra Chapter and a former student of Owens, said she is an inspiring professor. In a nomination letter, Lett said Owens has the unique ability to integrate her research and passion to create a memorable academic experience.

“Although she brings passion to her classroom, it is her carefully crafted immersive teaching that opened my eyes as her student,” Lett wrote. “She goes beyond with field trips, role play and designs for real clients to make sure that her students don’t just learn, but truly understand and care about public space working for all people, about the design responding to people's needs.”

Owens believes landscape architects contribute to creating healthier, more sustainable and more vibrant communities for current and future generations.

“The mandate of the profession is to protect the health, safety and welfare of our communities, in turn, making the world a better place,” she said.

A ceremony will be held for the 2024 ASLA fellows this October in Washington, D.C. Read more in the announcement by the American Society of Landscape Architects.