Temple University's Board of Trustees has authorized the renaming of Ambler College as the School of Environmental Design effective July 1, 2009. The school has become part of the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) but remains based at the Temple University Ambler campus and continues to comprise the Department of Community and Regional Planning, the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Center for Sustainable Communities.  

“This alliance gives us new opportunities for strengthening our academic resources and exploring mutual goals through cooperative research and scholarship on both campuses,” said Teresa Scott Soufas, dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

A search is planned for a permanent senior associate dean of the School of Environmental Design, who will report to the dean of CLA. The faculty of the school will also be given the option of having office space on Temple's Main Campus within the College of Liberal Arts, where many also already teach courses, as well as retaining current offices on the Ambler campus. James Hilty remains as interim dean of Ambler campus.

The Board of Visitors and the Alumni Association Board that have served Ambler College will continue to work with the School of Environmental Design. The Advisory Council of the Arboretum will likewise continue in its support and advisory capacity.

 “I am truly excited by our new partnership and look forward to working together to envision the future and achieve our shared goals,” said Soufas.