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The ALCA Outstanding Educator of the Year Award is presented by the ALCA Educational Foundation (AEF), in cooperation with the Accreditation Committee, to professors who have made a significant contribution to green industry education. This year’s award was presented to Kent Hammond of The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute (OSU-ATI) at the recent Student Career Days event in Columbus, Ohio.
Hammond has been involved in teaching students about careers in the landscape industry for more than 30 years. As a matter of fact, a number of successful ALCA landscape contracting members were introduced to the industry under his tutelage.
An early and steadfast supporter of certification in the landscape industry, Hammond became involved with the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association’s (ONLA) Certified Nursery Technician program 15 years ago. His service and dedication to the ALCA Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) program has been exemplary. He served as chairman of the partnership between ONLA, Ohio Landscapers Association (OLA), and OSU-ATI to bring ALCA’s international program to Ohio. Each year, the CLT-Exterior hands-on and written exams are held on the OSU-ATI campus in Wooster., Recently, Hammond was named a member of the ALCA International Certification Council and chair of the Council’s Education and Training Committee. He was the only educator to be named to that governing body.
"When students and parents meet Hammond, they are struck by his love of plants and horticulture, his love of teaching, and the personal attention he gives to his students," according to ALCA. "He keeps in close touch with members of the landscape profession so that he can keep abreast of industry changes. He then uses this knowledge to direct his students and curriculum accordingly. Over his long career, his personal mentoring has contributed to many programs throughout the nation, and he has continued to inspire students toward green industry careers. Even though he maintains a heavy teaching load, he still manages to expand and improve the Landscape Contracting and Construction program at OSU-ATI and is significantly involved in maintaining the university’s standing in the ALCA accreditation program. This outstanding educator will be retiring from the ATI program, and his enthusiasm, humor, and intelligence will be missed. His dedication to his students and the industry certainly makes him deserving of this prestigious award."