2025 Fellows: Stephen Drown, FASLA, Idaho/Montana Chapter

University of Idaho, Moscow, ID
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For over four decades, Stephen Drown's dedication to education has been nothing short of exceptional. His steadfast leadership, joy of teaching, and significant initiatives have earned him a legacy that transcends academic and professional practice and created new opportunities to expand the theoretical foundation of the design and planning professions. An educator, mentor, and global collaborator, Stephen helped inform the practices and perspectives of students and faculty at the Ohio State University (1975-1994), the University of Idaho (1994-2017), and Jiangsu University (2018-present). Stephen is an inspirational figure, sharing his deep knowledge but also transferring interest and enthusiasm for the profession, and creating the conditions for students and the field as a whole to prosper. At Ohio State, he initiated service-learning opportunities that allowed students to experience both the transformative value and real-world challenges of landscape architecture as they beautified interstate corridors and planned and designed the acclaimed Chadwick Arboretum. Stephen's leadership as Department Chair at The University of Idaho led to the expansion of academic offerings and opportunities available to students at this crucial land grant institution. He created a regional energy and enthusiasm for the profession and pursued innovative partnerships to ensure the department had funding, accreditation, and rigor, and led the effort to create an MSLA degree. For 15 years Stephen co-led international study abroad programs in France, Italy, and China, to help students graduate with an extensive, broad worldview. Stephen's unique ability to ignite creative potential, bridge visionary ideas with real world applications, and instill a deep sense of purpose has left an enduring legacy in both professional practice and academia.