Partnerships with Purpose

A Community Champion (part 2)

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 Website
www.truthstrong.org

A Celebration of Freedom (part 1)

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 Website
www.truthstrong.org
 
www.juneteenthbirthplace.com
 
Juneteenth Festivities | Texas City, TX
https://www.texascitytx.gov/918/Juneteenth-Festivities
 
Juneteenth Houston
https://www.juneteenthhouston.org/
 
Celebrate Juneteenth in Galveston 2025 | Visit Galveston
https://www.visitgalveston.com/events/annual-events/juneteenth/
 
160 Years of Freedom - Authentic Texas
https://authentictexas.com/160-years-of-freedom/

Meet the Cooper Scholars

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. 

Research for Communities

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.

Community Engagement Rules of Thumb (Part 2)

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!

Getting to Know John T. Cooper Jr: A Community Engagement Story (Part 1)

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.

Caldwell engages in a new way (Forrest Part 2)

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: 

From a Students Perspective (Forrest Part 1)

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.”

Nolanville Describes the Community Impact (Part 2)

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.
 
Website: https://www.nolanvilletx.gov/page/My%20Nolanville%20App

Why the Comprehensive Plan? (Part 1)

 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.
 
Website: https://www.nolanvilletx.gov/page/My%20Nolanville%20App