Kirk Dimond honored with CELA TRIAD Award
Kirk Dimond, associate professor of landscape architecture, has been awarded the TRIAD Award by the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA), recognizing years of leadership and service to the field.
The TRIAD Award is given by the organization’s executive leadership to honor those who demonstrate exceptional performance and commitment in academic practice.
Dimond recently completed eight years of service with CELA, including three years as a regional director and five years as treasurer. He served two consecutive two-year terms as treasurer, with the board extending his second term by an additional year. He will continue supporting the organization in a transitional role as treasurer’s advisor for six months.
During his tenure, Dimond focused on strengthening the organization’s financial stability and long-term planning. His work included maintaining balanced annual budgets, building a reserve fund and improving financial collaboration with the CELA Academy of Fellows. He also helped direct funding toward endowing two scholarships and the organization’s first externally funded endowment.
“I appreciate this honor as a recognition for my commitment and efforts that I had put forward over the past five years of service to CELA in striving to enable CELA leadership in executing initiatives and efforts that benefit educators and students in landscape architecture,” Dimond said. “It was a surprise to receive the award, and I appreciate the vote of confidence from the CELA presidents that I have had the pleasure of working with.”
Dimond said his involvement with CELA began after regularly attending its annual conference to present research. He pursued a leadership role and later ran for treasurer to expand his impact.
“CELA is an important outlet for connecting with our peers for research, teaching and service,” Dimond said. “Service in this capacity provided a wonderful opportunity to network and learn from incredible peers and leaders within and outside of CELA.”
He described CELA as a central organization for landscape architecture faculty, connecting educators across national and international networks while collaborating with professional organizations that support students and practitioners.
Dimond said his work with CELA has directly influenced his teaching, giving him insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the profession. He said those experiences have strengthened his ability to mentor students and connect them with resources.
“My growth and understanding in broadening my network and knowledge of the profession, learning from many great leaders of our field, contributes to my ability to mentor and refine the lessons and messages shared with our students,” Dimond said. “There is a strong focus from CELA to support students, and I became more aware of opportunities for them – scholarships, awards, leadership opportunities – having had a direct involvement in establishing some of those.”
He also encourages students to pursue service opportunities as part of their professional development.
“Having seen the direct benefit to myself in engaging in voluntary professional service, seconded by what I’ve seen among many of our landscape architecture alumni, I am definitely advocating to our students for carving out time for service in their realms, including things like club leadership now, and broader growth and impact in service as they graduate and progress through their careers,” Dimond said.
