Claudia Phillips, director and associate professor of Landscape Architecture, was recently designated president-elect/first vice president of the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA), which analyzes the content and quality of professional education in landscape architecture. She will begin her term as President in January 2010. In addition, Prof. Phillips was also nominated to represent CELA on a steering committee for establishing a National Academy for Environmental Design. The academy would provide expert advice and assistance in the sustainable design and maintenance of landscapes, cities and buildings worldwide. In her position, alongside other planning and urban design professionals, she will work to secure national support for the proposed academy.