Diane Jones Allen named to CELA Academy of Fellows
The Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA) has inducted Diane Jones Allen to its Academy of Fellows for her continued work in underserved communities.
This designation puts Allen, program director for landscape architecture at The University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs, among the best landscape architecture educators in the world.
“I feel honored and humbled to be among some of the most accomplished landscape architecture educators that have made a difference,” Allen said. “I’m also grateful to UTA for supporting me and my work.”
CELA, the primary organization for landscape architecture educators, is composed of virtually all the programs of higher learning in landscape architecture in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Membership in the Academy of Fellows represents the highest level of achievement within CELA and honors a faculty member’s accomplishments in teaching, scholarship and/or creative activity and service.
Allen was particularly lauded for her work in Black communities. From working with African America Freedmen communities along the Trinity River to exploring how self-liberated slaves adapted to life in Louisiana’s swampy wetlands, she has made it her mission to use landscape architecture to benefit and support underserved communities.
“That work’s difficult because you're trying to make something positive out of something that was really tragic,” she said. “But when you can do that, you feel that you have accomplished something for others.”
Ming-Han Li, dean of CAPPA, is also a fellow and presented Allen with the honor at a recent CELA conference.
“Dr. Allen's elevation to the CELA Academy of Fellows speaks volumes, and I am thrilled to share her success and incredible dedication to using landscape architecture for social impact,” Li said. “Her work inspires us all at CAPPA as she continues her service to create positive change in our community.”