MS Planning and Development 2022-2023 Cohort
The Department of Geography, Planning, and Environment (DGPE) extends a warm welcome to the inaugural cohort of the MS in Planning and Development program. Welcome to ECU!
For prospective students, information about this fully online program is available on the Community and Regional Planning Program website and on the DGPE Graduate Program webpage.
Andrew Adams
What are your areas of interest in planning?
“Areas of interests include land use, urban design and historical preservation. I am really passionate about urban land use and the implementation of various districts to make cities better for residents and visitors alike.”
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning?
“I decided to join the graduate program with ECU because it was close to home and the flexibility of an online program allows me to work in a related field while pursuing the degree.”
Star Brantley
What are your areas of interest in planning?
“My biggest area of interest resides with land use planning, an inherited component of instilling civic pride and community engagement: We all want to love where we live, and I want to have a part in contributing to that as a planner. A big part of why I entered the field of urban planning is due to having the personal experience of living in various large, metropolitan US Cities, residing in clean, walkable, and inviting neighborhoods, and having the pleasure to experience aesthetically pleasing areas to live, work and play.”
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning?
“My undergraduate study at ECU was a phenomenal learning experience, everything and more than what I expected when I made the life altering choice to move into the field of planning. The decision came after a 12-year tenure working in a completely unrelated industry in tv and radio production, cross-country in Los Angeles. While my previous career did not leave me uncharted in the application of public engagement, listening and other transferable skills that would be helpful in the urban planning arena, the burning desire to pursue a formal education in urban and regional planning from a certified institution was at the forefront of my goals and was well worth the experience. I was able to engage in planning practice through undergraduate planning studio projects that were well received by municipalities, and with my teams recommendations are currently being considered for federal funding, a major win for undergrad students breaking into the field. Additionally, I was able to amass valuable professional connections within the planning field. It felt “organic” for me to continue my education endeavors with the new MS in Planning and Development program at East Carolina University to deepen my learning around the planning disciplines and to sharpen my understanding of complex urban planning issues.”
Gilbert Combs
What are your areas of interest in planning?
“Housing and transportation. Housing affordability is a top concern for most places in America. I believe the introduction of requirements or incentives for including affordable housing units in large multi-dwelling developments is important to the health and diversity of a place. A good public transportation network can assist in reducing impacts of increasing costs by providing affordable methods of travel especially to places of work.”
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning?
“The undergraduate program accelerated my career by providing a solid foundation of understanding of the planning field. Right out of school I was fortunate to gain employment with a well-established and reputable consulting firm that eventually led me into the public planning sector. I really enjoy my work and can see how impactful even small changes to regulations and policies can be. I look forward to expanding my knowledge of more advanced planning concepts in these coming years and encourage any young planner to join me.”
Jimmy Diggs
What are your areas of interest in planning?
“My interests are Urban Design and Community Development. As a young man, I became aware that certain neighborhoods had better programs, housing, and recreation facilities that affected the well-being and quality of life of its residents. Motivated by my childhood growing up in public housing in Washington DC and experiencing the need for housing and economic development in depressed areas of the city prompted me to take pride in education and look for ways to improve the surroundings through Urban Design and Community Planning.”
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning?
“I decided to enroll in the East Carolina University Masters of Science in Planning and Development program to help complete my theoretical background and practical skills and experience to link planning and development to the history of the townships. I believe that we all have a stake in developing our township communities and when we are connected by history and kinship it makes our work more interesting. Therefore this program is perfect and will equip me with the knowledge, tools, experience, and resources needed to help foster creative sustainability in the townships through History, Urban Design, and Community Planning.”
Delaney Hobbs
What are your areas of interest in planning?
“I have always found housing and transportation to be interesting topics in the field of planning. I obtained my bachelor degree from Appalachian State, which is a small mountain town that is constantly growing and expanding. Living in Boone for 5 years I have been able to see all the growth and development from the aspect of a planner as I took classes relating to the two topics in my undergrad. It’s awesome to see what goes into all of it and watch the town grow!”
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning?
“I decided to join this MS program because I loved the idea of learning more about planning and development. My undergrad is in Geography so I took a few classes, but never got to truly dive into the subject and learn even more! I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to learn more about planning while still living in the mountain town that I love!”
Autumn C. James
What are your areas of interest in planning?
“My interest in planning is mainly centered on human-built environment interaction, especially as it relates to community development, placemaking, and accessibility. In-depth exploration of these topics will support my continued inquiry into how the built environment can influence how we see, navigate, and experience space.”
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning?
“I decided to join the M.S. in Planning and Development program at ECU after researching multiple programs and finding a fit in curriculum (multiple concentration options) and accessibility for a working adult.”
Ashley Lattin
What are your areas of interest in planning?
My interests in planning are Community Development and Transportation. I, like many, am a transplant to North Carolina. Many folks visit our beautiful state, find work, and move here. While it’s awesome that our economy has thrived to support all of these transplants, we must strategize a way for our communities to keep up with infrastructure, schools, facilities, and hospitals. Transportation is always a need, as our state struggles with public transportation. I hope that my Engineering background, my recent MBA in Data Analytics and this Master’s in Planning and Development can provide a way to integrate technology with planning. I eventually hope to both practice and teach.
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning?
I am an Engineer by trade and researched several programs all over the east coast to try to find the best fit. ECU’s planning department has staff from all professions, even Engineers like me! The variety of classes offered made this the most well-rounded program I could find. I am very excited to be a part of it!
Rachel Mann
What are your areas of interest in planning?
My areas of interest in planning are community development, housing affordability, and long-range planning. I am interested in the intersection of these three focus areas and how good planning can create more equitable, sustainable communities that everyone can thrive in.
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning?
I chose ECU’s MS in Planning and Development because I wanted to learn more about planning from the academic side of things, and I knew that ECU has one of the oldest and best planning programs in NC! Plus, I appreciated that ECU’s planning program is completely online- As a busy young professional, I knew an online program would be the only way I could attend graduate school. I’m really appreciative that ECU offers such a great planning program that fits so easily into my busy life!
Sara Mears
What are your areas of interest in planning?
“My areas of interest in planning is environmental/sustainable planning because of the time I’ve spent working in emergency management and seeing first-hand the impacts that natural disasters and climate change have on our communities, and my belief that we can plan more sustainably and in a way that can foster greater climate resilience.”
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning?
“I decided to join the MS in Planning and Development at ECU because of the flexibility the program is providing for me to further my education and continue my career in Emergency Management with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.”
David Miller
What are your areas of interest in planning?
“My areas of interest include transportation planning and community development. Specifically, I am interested in how multi-modal transportation planning can be used to address environmental impacts and climate change, social equity, and the health of our communities. Transportation planning can be a powerful tool used to address a variety of human issues, and to develop safe and thriving communities. Additionally, I am interested in community development and the planning of facilities that both expands opportunities and enhances quality of life.”
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning?
“Choosing East Carolina University to pursue an MS in Planning and Development was an easy decision. Having previously earned a Masters degree from ECU, I am familiar with the high caliber of instruction and education that the university offers its students. I have also had the fortunate opportunity to work with and learn from ECU Planning alumni in a professional capacity in local government, and saw first hand how ECU prepared them to be leaders. In addition, I know that ECU’s Planning program is highly regarded, which can be seen through its alumni working in various professional positions across North Carolina.”
Sarah Rogers
What are your areas of interest in planning?
“Transportation, Environmental Planning, and Historic Preservation – I currently work for a transportation planning consulting firm, where we specialize in environmental and historic preservation planning. I see myself growing in this field and look forward to learning more about it!”
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning?
“Growing up in Greenville, ECU has always been in my life. I moved away to pursue education and experiences that I couldn’t get in Eastern North Carolina. Those experiences pointed me towards Planning and ECU was my first choice.”
Lauren Russell
What are your areas of interest in planning?
“I find transportation to be the most interesting and dynamic facet of the planning profession. The movement of people and goods in a less car-centric future needs to be addressed by planners now and this grants the most opportunities for professional development.”
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning?
“A Master of Science in Planning and Development at ECU is an excellent fit for my skills and aspirations. I like the practicality of the core curriculum with multiple opportunities to improve research skills, explore computer aided planning applications and further improve my professional writing abilities. Lastly, as a working professional, the flexibility of the program being fully online and able to go at my own pace will set me up for success.”
Sheighla Temple
What are your areas of interest in planning?
“My area of interest is urban design because my dream job is an Urban Design Planner. I believe it is a job that provides the perfect combination of helping people while providing the ability to express one’s creativity and artistic ability, innovative ideas and approaches; and mathematical skills.”
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning?
“I chose to join the MS in the Planning and Development program at ECU because it is a great opportunity in my line of work, that many schools do not offer. This program will allow me to further my higher education while expanding on my experience in the professional sector. The Planning and Development MS program will support my goal of becoming an urban design planner, but it will also allow me to lead by example for people that look like me and/or have come from a similar background. I chose this program to show it is possible to beat the statistics and reach your dreams if you put in the work.”
Holli Y. Tetterton
What are your areas of interest in planning?
“My area of interest in planning is community development. I enjoy working with my community. I want to help connect their concerns and goals for the place they live and work with that of their local government.”
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning
“I joined the MS in Planning and Development program at ECU to gain a better understanding of and become more of an asset to my current planning position in local government. The online platform that ECU offers allows me to do this while working this position full time.”
Laura Wisecup
What are your areas of interest in planning?
My principal goal as a planner is to facilitate the establishment of vibrant and prosperous and that make their citizens proud. Therefore, my areas of interest in planning revolve around land use planning, urban design and historic preservation as key elements to create a sense of place in neighborhoods and leverage competitiveness. My ideal job would involve contributing to revitalization plans for neighborhoods and corridors, securing community development grants, and developing strategies aimed at preserving and enhancing a community’s distinct character and improving quality of life.
Why did you decide to join the MS in Planning?
The MS in Planning and Development program at ECU offers strong core courses designed to create highly prepared planners. From urban design principles to growth management tools, the program provides a complete overview of necessary planning skills and allows for sufficient flexibility to tailor your courses to focus on personal interests. Additionally, the program’s online modality is an attractive factor for working professionals and enable students to achieve academic and professional goals simultaneously, as well as allowing individuals all over the US to participate in the program. Moreover, having grown up and obtained my bachelor’s degree in urban planning in Caracas, Venezuela, I am excited to gain a deeper understanding of the planning tools and policies used in the US from such a prestigious institution like ECU.