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Thomas Schurch, PhD, begins duties as chairman of Clemson University's planning and landscape architecture department Aug 1, 2010. He comes to Clemson from the University of Oklahoma, where he was a professor of landscape architecture.

Thomas Schurch, PhD, has been appointed chairman of Clemson University's planning and landscape architecture department. Prof. Schurch will begin his tenure at Clemson Aug. 2, 2010.

Prof. Schurch comes to Clemson from the University of Oklahoma (OU), where he was a professor of landscape architecture and former director of the landscape architecture division. He founded and directed the Center for Community Based Projects and taught small town planning and urban design theory.

''Dr. Tom Schurch brings a wealth and breadth of experience to a unique department,'' said Clifton Egan, dean of the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. ''His career, background and many successes align beautifully with the future of the planning and landscape architecture department and its diversity of programs, which also includes interdisciplinary programs in real estate development and historic preservation.''

''I envision enhancing common ground and unity among these four very important fields in a complex and rapidly changing global context where the need for meaningful and livable environments is essential,'' said Prof. Schurch.

Prof. Schurch received his MLA from Cal Poly Pomona and his PhD in urban design and planning from the University of Washington. Prior to the University of Oklahoma, Schurch taught urban planning at Ball State University and landscape architecture at Cal Poly Pomona, Texas Tech and Mississippi State. He is a certified planner and licensed landscape architect.