Celebrating 50 Years

50 logo

The 2024-2025 academic year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Master of City and Regional Planning program at the University of Memphis!

We are spending the year celebrating the BIG impact that our little program has had on community development in Memphis and beyond – through the research and policy work of faculty members, the community-engaged work of our courses, the inspiration and innovation of our diverse students, and the leadership of our alumni.

This page provides information on our program's history and impact through an interactive timeline and story maps.

Check back often for information on our year-long 50th Anniversary Event Series, and save the date for our 50th Anniversary Weekend in Memphis: April 11-13, 2025.

Contribute to the FIFTY FORWARD FUND

50th Anniversary Event Series

Lessons in Public Sector Leadership

December 6th at noon, Virtual Panel Discussion

Moderated by Angela Brooks, FAICP, President of the American Planning Association

A panel of MCRP alumni will discuss challenges, changes, and triumphs in public sector leadership, and offer insights for planning students and early career planners.

John Zeanah, Director of Planning and Development, Memphis-Shelby County
Jordan Hillman, COO of JXN Water, Jackson, MS
Ben Requet, Director of Planning, Oxford, MS
Lauren Kirk, Chief Innovation Officer, Jackson, TN
Judy Daniel, Former Planning Director for Williamson County, TN; Asheville, NC; and Oxford, MS

***CLICK FOR MORE INFO & REGISTRATION***

Non-traditional Career Paths for Planning and Design Graduates

January 31, 2025 at noon, Virtual Panel Discussion

Kyle Wagenschutz, founder of City Thread, Denver, CO
Dr. Nadia Shah, Director of Upbuild Foundation, Chicago, IL
Shannon Dixon, CEO (sole proprietor) at Shannon MB Dixon Consulting, Memphis, TN
Katie Flynn Koleini, Deputy Director of Development at Cities for Financial Empowerment, New York, NY