MSU’s Han named inaugural landscape architecture endowed professor
Contact: Meg Henderson
STARKVILLE, Miss.—SaMin Han, an assistant professor in Mississippi State’s Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design, is the holder of the department’s inaugural endowed professorship.
Michael Hatcher, a 1982 landscape contracting graduate, and his wife Mary, recently pledged a $500,000 gift to the university to initiate the Michael L. and Mary B. Hatcher Endowed Professorship. The endowment is designed to support outstanding faculty who prioritize environmental design systems in their research, teaching and contributions to the landscape architecture profession.
Inspired by a Garden Clubs of Mississippi scholarship received in 1976 to attend the Horticulture Summer Seminar at MSU, Michael Hatcher remembers this experience ignited his interest in the landscaping industry and set the course for his education. He then launched the successful Olive Branch-based landscape design business, Michael Hatcher and Associates, Inc., which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
“As MSU’s Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design continues to grow, I often think back on my time as a student. I’ve watched the department evolve and strengthen, and our company’s success is deeply tied to that journey,” Hatcher said. “When Mary and I discussed a gift with the MSU Foundation, establishing an endowed professorship felt like a natural extension of our philanthropy. We believe in the power of knowledge and innovation to improve lives, and we’re excited to support the department’s continued role in preparing the next generation of green industry professionals.”
Han, in her fifth year as an MSU faculty member, teaches undergraduate and graduate-level studios and courses in grading for construction, watershed management and proposal writing. Her work integrates ecological modeling, spatial analytics and design-based inquiry to address the complex social and environmental challenges faced by coastal communities.
“I could not be more pleased that our department is receiving its first endowed professorship, and Dr. Han is an excellent fit,” said Anne Spafford, professor and department head. “The Hatchers’ gift is monumental in rewarding and supporting faculty in continuing their impactful work in the classroom and in communities across Mississippi.”
Han’s scholarship sits at the forefront of climate resilience, environmental planning and community-centered design. Her work has been published in highly ranked international journals and is supported by external funding from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine Gulf Research Program and a grant from the Envision Resilience National Design Studio. Han has been recognized with the university’s Donald Zacharias Early Career Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award and the Regions Bank-MSU Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Superior Teaching Award.
“This is an honor I receive with deep gratitude and humility, and I am committed to building a strong and thoughtful foundation that carries forward the Hatchers’ legacy within and beyond our department and university,” Han said.
To learn more about MSU’s Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, visit www.lalc.msstate.edu/.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.