University of Missouri students in the Division of Plant Sciences and Technology placed seventh overall in the 2026 National Collegiate Landscape Competition. Out of 54 schools, Mizzou solidified their ranking in the top 10 in only their third time competing.
“Placing in the top 10 was such an amazing feeling,” said Grace Morris, a member of Mizzou’s team. “Everyone cheered so loud and we couldn’t help but let out a huge M-I-Z.”
Morris is a sophomore studying plant sciences, working toward certificates in landscape design and floral artistry management.
“The competition really showed me how much the industry is interconnected,” she said. “It opened my eyes to the many different paths you can take in the landscaping industry as well.”
The competition took place at Michigan State University from March 18 to 21. Mizzou placed first overall in Construction Cost Estimating and third overall in Turf and Weed Identification.
“Seeing my teammates succeed was so cool,” Morris said. “I’m so proud of them.”
The National Collegiate Landscape Competition brings students, faculty and industry representatives together for the four-day event. In addition to the competitions, the event hosts a career fair, educational workshops, scholarship events and networking opportunities.
During the event, Morris received the Kevin Kehoe Rising Star Scholarship. It encourages students to continue to advance their education and opportunities within the landscape industry.
“Kevin Kehoe was such a huge name in landscaping and I feel so honored to have been chosen and recognized for this award,” she said.
The overarching goal of the event is to help students gain real-world experience and launch their careers by connecting them to industry representatives and potential employers. For Morris, that means working toward becoming a landscape designer and running her own business that focuses on residential properties.
“The experience helped ground me even more in my decision to pursue plant science and landscape design,” said Morris. “I am more excited than ever to continue working for my degree so that I can truly follow my passion.”
Mizzou’s team is led by Tim Moloney, an instructor in the Division of Plant Science and Technology. Students interested in learning more can contact him at moloneyt@missouri.edu.