Flowers bloom in front of the Lyceum, the University of Mississippi's iconic administration building. The university's Department of Landscape Services has been honored by the Professional Grounds Management Society for the campus' landscape design and maintenance. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
Professional Grounds Management Society recognition showcases grounds maintenance excellence
The University of Mississippi campus has long been known for its beauty, and the team that works behind the scenes to keep it looking that way has been recognized.
The Professional Grounds Management Society awarded the Ole Miss Department of Landscape Services with an Honor Award for exceptional grounds maintenance of a large university or college during its 2024 Green Star Awards Competition. Winners were announced during the society’s annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky, last month.
“At Ole Miss, we believe that a well-kept campus does more than just look good – it fosters a sense of community and pride,” said Jeff McManus, UM director of landscape and waste services. “This award celebrates the daily commitment of our landscaping team to make our campus a welcoming place for students, faculty and visitors alike.”
Landscape supervisor Matt Foley nominated the university for the award, McManus said.
“Receiving this honor highlights the hard work and passion of our landscaping team,” McManus said. “It shows that Ole Miss is not only focused on academics but also on creating a campus environment that inspires and uplifts all who attend, work and visit.”
The Green Star Awards program brings national recognition to grounds maintained with a high degree of excellence, complementing other national landscape award programs that recognize outstanding landscape design and construction. Ole Miss has previously won two Grand Awards in the program, in 2002 and 2013.
“The University of Mississippi‘s campus design, influenced by the renowned Fredrick Olmsted Firm, emulates Frederick Law Olmsted Sr.’s vision with future growth in mind, organizing the campus around an east-west axis and creating a unified central area with peripheral roads,” the association’s award announcement noted.
“Known for its vibrant game-day atmosphere, The Grove attracts over 100,000 fans who enjoy traditions like the Walk of Champions, offering a unique blend of Southern hospitality and fervent football spirit at the heart of Ole Miss’s beautiful campus.”
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It’s inspiring to see academic grounds get such attention to detail! How can homeowners apply similar techniques on a smaller scale?