Robbins honored by North Carolina Association of Landscape Architects

By ASU News Service

Clyde Robbins, director of design and construction at Appalachian State University, has received the President’s Council Award from the North Carolina Association of Landscape Architects (NCASLA).

The award recognizes an NCASLA member for major contributions to the achievement of the profession of landscape architecture in North Carolina over a minimum period of five years.

Robbins came to Appalachian in 1993. His vision for the university has unified the campus’s architectural standards and protected the mountain character of the university, its heritage and value of the outdoor spaces.

“This is a well-deserved honor for Dr. Robbins,” said Greg Lovins, interim vice chancellor for business affairs. “Visitors to Appalachian frequently comment on the beauty of our campus. His vision has transformed campus.”

Robbins incorporates multidisciplinary teams on all major projects on campus to ensure that landscape architecture is part of the design process.

Under his guidance, the storm-water collection area created when the Holmes Convocation Center was developed is now a showcase entryway to campus known as Durham Park. Green space between the new Rankin Science Building complex and Edwin Duncan Hall provides an inviting area for student, faculty and staff use, as well as a park-like setting between Belk Library and Information Commons and its adjacent parking deck.

Robbins earned a dual degree in landscape architecture and forestry from Syracuse University and a city planning degree from Ohio State University. He holds an MBA in economics and a Ph.D. in business administration from Georgia State University.

Robbins served as an assistant professor in the doctoral program at Georgia State and as an associate professor of the College of Architecture at Georgia Institute of Technology.

Robbins began his career with the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service and was a planner for the U.S. Marine Corp. His military career continued with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Navy Reserve where he retired with the rank of captain.

His work experience includes planning and landscape architecture in the private sector, as well as numerous positions as director for planning, design and construction, facilities and physical operations for the Georgia Institute of Technology.