The James Cohen Award is awarded annually to a graduate student who elevates conversations of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in planning, through engaged research. The award honors Dr. Jim Cohen, the former director of the Urban Studies and Planning Program, who retired in 2017.
Throughout his 27-year career at the University of Maryland, Dr. Cohen was integral in shaping the Urban Studies and Planning Program and was the architect of the University’s National Center for Smart Growth. As director, he leveraged his passion for environmental planning and social activism to bring new coursework and opportunities to the school, including community projects in Baltimore and Prince George’s County. Dr. Cohen was a favorite among students and colleagues and an amicable fixture within the school, generous with both his time and expertise.