Partnerships with Purpose

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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Community-Engaged Learning07:49 Classroom Engagement and Syllabus Preparation13:00 Facilitation and Community Trust22:02 Future of Community-Engaged Learning

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 valuable experiences gained by students.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Community Engagement and Planning03:33 Defining Community Engaged Learning08:02 Identifying Community Needs and Partnerships11:05 Classroom Dynamics and Engagement Strategies16:48 Real-World Applications and Project Outcomes

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.Chapters00:00 Overview of fence line communities and their significance.03:00 Discussion on the environmental and health challenges faced by these communities.09:00 Highlighting the role of Texas Target Communities in fostering trust and engagement.15:00 Covering adaptive strategies and sharing success stories from these communities.21:00 Insights into the future of community engagement, focusing on digital tools and personal interactions.

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-driven solutions.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Community Engagement and Service Learning00:42 Dr. Galen D Newman's Background and Achievements02:15 Journey to Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning05:30 The Role of Humor in Professional Settings07:00 Educational Path and Career Development10:45 Community Planning and Impact13:30 Transition to Texas A&M and Professional Growth16:00 The Importance of Community Engagement18:45 Challenges and Rewards of Department Leadership21:30 Research Focus and Fence Line Communities

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 servant leadership in action. Sams Websitewww.truthstrong.orgChapters00:00 Community Resilience Post-Hurricane Harvey03:00 Collaborative Efforts in Galveston County06:00 Creating a Comprehensive 20-Year Plan09:00 Leadership and Community Engagement12:00 Personal Experiences and Involvement

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 narrate this pivotal moment in American history. Check out the links below! Sams Websitewww.truthstrong.org www.juneteenthbirthplace.com Juneteenth Festivities | Texas City, TXhttps://www.texascitytx.gov/918/Juneteenth-Festivities Juneteenth Houstonhttps://www.juneteenthhouston.org/ Celebrate Juneteenth in Galveston 2025 | Visit Galvestonhttps://www.visitgalveston.com/events/annual-events/juneteenth/ 160 Years of Freedom - Authentic Texashttps://authentictexas.com/160-years-of-freedom/Chapters02:15 Meet Sam Collins III: A Community Leader and Historian05:30 The Significance of Juneteenth and Its History12:45 Revitalizing Galveston and Hitchcock Post-Hurricane Harvey18:00 The Role of Education and Opportunities in Community Growth24:30 Challenges and Allies in Preserving History30:00 Celebrating Juneteenth: A Global Perspective36:15 The Importance of Truth and Collective Growth42:00 Closing Thoughts and Resources

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Community Engagement and Planning02:15 Meet the Cooper Scholars: Jaylen and Windia05:30 Jaylen's Journey into Urban Planning09:45 Windia's Path and Experiences14:00 Challenges and Opportunities in Community Planning18:30 Exciting Projects and Future Aspirations22:00 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Community Engagement in Research04:52 Dr. Rosenheim's Journey to Community-Engaged Research09:44 Understanding Community Dynamics and Disparities14:47 The Role of Researchers in Community Engagement19:53 Future Directions for Community-Engaged Research

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, '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, infrastructure, and other land use decisions.

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

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: