AAMU Recognized for Highly Qualified Faculty, Engaged Students, Alumni
AAMU Urban and Regional Planning Programs Receive Seven-Year Reaccreditation
The Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) has reaccredited Alabama A&M University’s Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning (BSUP) and Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) programs for a seven-year term, effective January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2030.
The Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) accredits university programs in North America leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in planning. AAMU’s accreditation period is the longest term possible under current PAB rules, and the first time both programs have received a 7-year accreditation term.
Dr. Deden Rukmana, Professor and Chair of the AAMU Department of Community and Regional Planning, says the PAB sent the decision letter to University President Daniel K. Wims on November 4.
“The PAB recognizes many areas of excellence, including ‘highly qualified and engaged students committed to making a difference in their communities; an enthusiastic alumni group with strong connections through our mentoring program; highly engaged faculty and a well-recognized program among local elected officials,’” says Rukmana.
“The reaccreditation success and recognition are a result of collective efforts from many stakeholders, including faculty, students, staff, alumni, University administrators, the Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association, and our community partners.”
Rukmana says AAMU students are engaged with real planning projects. One example, students are collaborating with the City of Huntsville Planning Department to plan a sustainable pedestrian path through Big Spring Park. Students are also interning with agencies across the country, including the City of Brookhaven, Georgia, Planning Department, Michigan’s Department of Transportation, The City of Detroit’s Department of Public Works, and City of Montgomery, Alabama, Planning Department.
“We are very proud the PAB has continuously accredited our planning programs since the 1970s, but this indeed is a new chapter for our students, faculty and staff,” adds Rukmana.
Photo (L-R) Dr. Deden Rukmana, Austin Djan, MURP; Afolabi Adeniyi, MURP; Alexa Williams, junior, BSUP; Nuhu Imoro, MURP; Samarion Flowers, senior, BSUP; Marvin Lotsah, MURP; Sheila Hatchett, MURP; Samuel Afolabi, MURP