Oct. 31, 2025
Contact: Karlan Seville, sevillek@missouri.edu
University of Missouri Landscape Services has received the Grand Award in the 2025 Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) Green Star Awards®, a national recognition for excellence in groundskeeping and landscape management.
The award was presented at the PGMS Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. The campus earned the top honor in the category for universities with more than 500 acres. Entries were evaluated by a panel of 12 industry peers on six criteria: turf management, landscape design, safety, challenges, budget and sustainable practices.
Joe Kovolyan, director of Landscape Services, said the recognition reflects the team’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing the university’s outdoor spaces.
“To have the university recognized nationally by our industry peers was a huge goal, and to win the top award on our first attempt was only a fleeting thought when I started 16 months ago,” Kovolyan said. “This shows just how dedicated our staff are and proves Mizzou can compete with other leading institutions.”
“We have always taken pride in the beauty of Mizzou’s campus, but to be recognized by peers and industry leaders makes this honor especially meaningful,” Jenna Sommers, assistant director of the Mizzou Botanic Garden, said. “It affirms our team’s dedication and the lasting value of maintaining a campus that inspires all who visit.”
The PGMS Green Star Awards recognize outstanding landscape maintenance across the nation in settings ranging from parks and commercial properties to universities.
In addition to the team honor, Kovolyan was individually recognized at the conference with the Walter Bonvell Ambassador Award. The award celebrates industry professionals who foster community and welcome all into the PGMS family.
“(Walt Bonvell) played such a significant role and positive example for so many of us at PGMS. His constant encouragement of earning my CGM (certified grounds manager), pursuing national board service and positive representation of the society and industry made a huge impact on me,” Kovolyan said.
