NCLC showcases the future of the landscape industry

At the end of the 46th National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) on March 19, 2022, students from across the country were fired up about the lawn and landscape industry.

During the closing ceremony, Doug Halsey, chair for NCLC, noted the energy and camaraderie that he had seen throughout the week. He thanked the host school, North Carolina State University, and the event’s sponsors.

“We can’t do this event without the sponsors,” said Halsey. “We have some great sponsors at all levels. Without them, this wouldn’t exist. I’m very appreciative that they’re available and they’re active.”

Roger Phelps, corporate communications manager for Stihl Inc., urged the student to get involved and educate others about the industry. Phelps also encouraged them to not be afraid to fail and look at little foolish at times because that is how you learn and do better. He presented the #RealSTIHL Spirit Award to Sandhills Community College.

The student social media award was presented to Hannah Ledford with North Carolina State, while the winning school for social media posts was North Dakota State University.

The 2022 Outstanding Educator of the Year award was presented to Dr. Jim Funai with Cuyahoga Community College. Funai has made it his mission to learn and motivate others to do the same. He has been encouraging and developing the future of the landscape industry for over a decade.

This year’s three student superstars are Peyton Musgrave with Cuyahoga Community College, Eric Levine from Alamance Community College and Christian Schloegel with College of DuPage. To see the full superstar report click here.

The top 10 schools for the 46th NCLC are as follows:

  • Brigham Young University – Provo
  • Cuyahoga Community College
  • North Carolina State University
  • Brigham Young University – Idaho
  • Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
  • Michigan State University
  • Mississippi State University
  • Penn State
  • Colorado State
  • Alamance Community College

Next year’s NCLC will be hosted at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, March 15-18, 2023.