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New BYU Professor of Urban Planning

July 30, 2021 by admin
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Dr. David Simpson was recently hired to take on a position at Brigham Young University (BYU), as the new Professor of Urban Planning.  Dr. Simpson is an experienced Professor that has demonstrated his vast skills and experience as a higher education leader.

Dr. Simpson began his career at Duke University, where he obtained his Bachelors in Physics; Political Science; Public Policy Studies.  Between his bachelor’s degree and his work on his master’s is where Dr. Simpson began his interest in planning.  Following this, he attended the University of Texas at Austin where he was awarded the Master of Public Affairs Degree (MPAff), from the LBJ School of Public Affairs. His crowning educational achievement was obtaining his PhD. from the University of California, Berkeley in City and Regional Planning.  Dr. Simpson has filled many professional roles over his career, much of which was spent with the University of Louisville.  Prior to moving to Utah and accepting this position with BYU Dr. Simpson was the Chair of the University of Louisville, Sustainability Council.  This was created in 2012 and worked to create enterprise-level behavioral and operational change for the University in Sustainability.  Prior to and in addition to this role, Dr. Simpson was the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Department Chair of Urban and Public Affairs, Director of the Master’s in Urban Planning Program.

Dr. Simpson has a passion for making communities better.  All the time and effort he has spent and continues to spend is focused on that end.  He worked in areas involving Climate Change, Human and canine interactions as well as implementing sustainability for practitioners and communities.  Dr. Simpsons long and impressive Curriculum Vitae shows all his many accomplishments and achievements.  He has dedicated his life to Planning and improving the built environment in any way feasible. Like many planners, this was not the path he started on at Duke so many years ago. However, once he got a taste of planning it became something that drove him to innovate and create at each and every turn in his prestigious, and continuing career.

Dr. Simpson has been an advocate for and asset to students throughout his career. He hopes his time at BYU will allow him to, act as a connector for professionals and consumers of planning along the Wasatch front.  He wants to make connections with practitioners to help raise planning to a new level.  Come meet Dr. Simpson and welcome him aboard the APA Planning Utah train!

 

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