Haley Blakeman, assistant professor of landscape architecture, was named a 2020 Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). ASLA has elevated 19 members as Fellows this year “for their exceptional contributions to the landscape architecture profession and society at large,” according to the ASLA.

Election to the ASLA Council of Fellows is among the highest honors the ASLA bestows on members and is based on their works, leadership/management, knowledge, and service. Blakeman was nominated in the “Leadership/Management” category by the ASLA Louisiana Chapter, for her meaningful career in landscape architecture.

Blakeman has spent her career advancing the profession at every level: community, city, state, and national. During her ten years in leadership roles at the Center for Planning Excellence—a nonprofit honored with ASLA’s 2009 Olmsted Award—she dedicated her work to resiliency in climate change.

In Louisiana, she has led essential work in over 25 communities. She developed policies and implementation projects advancing complete streets, from the city of Covington to impoverished, rural Madison Parish. She was instrumental in making World Landscape Architecture Month a global initiative. Blakeman’s service to the profession and ASLA for over twenty years, especially in her position as vice president of communications, has amplified the profession’s collective voice.

“Now as the Suzanne L. Turner Assistant Professor at LSU, Haley teaches students—and especially women and minorities—how to be champions for those without a voice, and about the critical role that landscape architects can play in mission-driven work,” the ASLA stated in the Fellow announcement.

Blakeman has a progressive view of the role of landscape architects as community leaders. She “is passionate about providing opportunities for civic engagement, strengthening neighborhoods, empowering residents to improve their environment, and fostering incremental shifts that add up to big changes,” she said.

“Congratulations Haley for being nominated by the LA Chapter of ASLA and being selected as one of the ASLA 2020 Council of Fellows. It is quite a rigorous process,” said Bruce Sharky, professor of landscape architecture.

She was recognized as one of Baton Rouge Business Report‘s “Forty Under 40.”