Partnerships with Purpose

In this sneak peek, hear how Southeast Texas task force members and researchers picked sites to study flooding and air quality using local knowledge and science side by side. See what happens when communities help lead research in Lessons from the Field Lab! Link to Full Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0kkvkitD7g2znbHTuBlM4c?si=1d67ef56ce74401e

Join host Cedric Shy as he interviews Juan Pina and Liz Pineda, the latest recipients of the Cooper Scholar Award. Discover their unique journeys into urban planning, their passion for community development, and how they aim to transform their cities. 00:00 Introduction to the Cooper Scholars 02:15 Meet the Cooper Scholars: Juan and Liz 05:30 Liz's Journey into Urban Planning 09:45 Juan's Path and...

In this episode, Dr. Bill Eisele discusses how involving communities in learning can change the way we plan and build. He explains the structure of his classroom and how students use real-world projects to make a difference in local areas. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Community-Engaged Learning 07:49 Classroom Engagement and Syllabus Preparation 13:00 Facilitation and Community Trust 22:02 Futur...

In this episode, hosts Cedric Shy and Jamie Hicks-Masterson engage with Jeewasmi Thapa and Dr. Ivis Garcia from Texas A&M University to explore the concept of community-engaged learning, the selection of communities for partnership, and the dynamics of classroom learning that translate into real-world applications. The episode emphasizes the reciprocal nature of community partnerships and the...

In part two of Developing Solutions for Fenceline Communities, we continue discussing how research, collaboration, and community voices drive meaningful change. Dr. Newman has spent years working alongside fenceline communities that face environmental, social, and health challenges, learning from their experiences and helping create practical solutions. Chapters 00:00 Overview of fence line commun...

In this episode, Meet Dr. Galen Newman, we sit down with Dr. Galen Newman, Department Head of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning (LAUP). Hear about his journey, vision, and leadership style, and get to know the person guiding the future of LAUP. As a research leader, he brings together urban regeneration, flood resilience, spatial analytics, and community engagement into powerful, design-dr...

In this episode, A Community Champion , we welcome back Sam Collins, an individual with deep ties to Hitchcock, Texas, who embodies a profound commitment to uplifting the local community. A proud Texas A&M University graduate, Sam consistently places impact over recognition, choosing to work behind the scenes to create meaningful, lasting change. His dedication reflects a powerful example of s...

In this episode, 'A Celebration of Freedom,' we welcome Sam Collins III, a passionate community leader, historian, and change-maker from Galveston County, Texas. As a seventh-generation Texan and dedicated historian, discover how Sam has revitalized history and is dedicated to making Galveston the global center for Juneteenth celebrations, working with universities to promote and accurately narrat...

In this episode, ' Meet the Cooper Scholars,' we hear from Windya Welideniya (Master’s student in Urban and Regional Planning) and Jaelin Lopez (junior in Urban and Regional Planning), the first recipients of the John T. Cooper, Jr. Foundation Excellence Award. Listen in on their inspiring stories and how they became involved in the field of planning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Community Engag...

In this episode, 'Research for Communities,' we hear from Dr. Nathanael Rosehenheim, Research Associate Professor and Interim Director of the Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center (HRRC). Tune in to learn about how Dr. Rosehenheim applies data-driven research practices to engage with communities across Texas. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Community Engagement in Research 04:52 Dr. Rosenheim's Jour...

In this episode, 'Community Engagement Rules of Thumb,' we hear again from Dr. John T. Cooper Jr. about his introduction to the Texas Target Communities program and learn some of the important community engagement principles that guide our work!

In this episode 'Getting to Know John Cooper: A Community Engagement Story,' we hear from Dr. John T. Cooper Jr., a professor of practice in Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning at Texas A&M University and director emeritus of our program, Texas Target Communities. Get ready to dive into his journey and discover how community engagement became the driving force of his career.

In this episode, we again hear from Forrest Williams (a former student and also), Director of Administrative Services at the City of Caldwell. This time, he talks about his experience as a community partner. He shares how the City tested new ways to engage residents using virtual platforms. He also speaks about his appreciation of working with students.  Let’s hear the conversation:

In this episode, 'From a Student’s Perspective,' I talk with Forrest Williams, a former student who worked with a community as part of his college coursework. He talks about the project, his experience, and the challenges students often face. He says, “It was stressful in the moment, but looking back, that’s how every meeting goes.”

In this episode, “Community Impact”, we hear again from the city manager of Nolanville, Kara Escajeda. We worked with Nolanville again in 2019 in 7 classes with the ENDEAVR initiative. She talks about the community impacts of student work.

 In this episode, “Why the Comprehensive Plan”, you get to hear from Kara Escajeda, the city manager of Nolanville. In 2014, the small community worked with Texas Target Communities and 4 graduate planning classes to develop a comprehensive plan, or the city’s master plan that documents the community’s vision, and actions to improve economic development, housing, community facilities, infrastructu...

In our first episode on “The Origins of Texas Target Communities,” you will hear from Dr Shannon Van Zandt former associate executive dean of the School of Architecture.  She reflects on the history of the program to serve the citizens of Texas and the value for students