Penn College's Landscape/Nursery Technology Program Accredited

The official association for the landscape contracting and lawn-care industry has fully accredited Pennsylvania College of Technology's landscape/nursery technology majors.

The Professional Landcare Network will formally present the accreditation at a faculty forum during its Student Career Days at Michigan State University from March 29 to April 1. The distinction was announced by Kent Hammond, co-chair of the accreditation team, in a letter to Mary A. Sullivan, assistant dean of Penn College's School of Natural Resources Management.

The trade organization, known as PLANET, was formed in 2005 when the Association of Landscape Contractors of America and the Professional Lawn Care Association of America formed a more-encompassing network of green-industry professionals.

"Program accreditation through a professional organization such as PLANET will benefit our students in a variety of ways," Sullivan said. "Certainly, the recognition of the excellence of our facilities, faculty and curriculum is an honor, but the organization offers scholarships, networking and professional seminars and conferences, career days and opportunities for internships and employment, which will further strengthen our program."

ALCA granted accreditation in November 2002, and issued several recommendations for follow-up. According to Hammond's letter, those items including appointment of a student to the program advisory committee and creating an internship program have been satisfied.

For more about majors offered by the School of Natural Resources Management, call (570) 320-8038, send e-mail or visit online.