UTA Student Planning Association Earns National Recognition as Outstanding Planning Student Organization
Pictured L-R: Dr. Deden Rukmana, Cierra Flores (Graphic Design Coordinator), Emily Marquez (Graphic Design Coordinator), Joseph Sliva (APA TX Midwest Section Representative), Justine Nguyen (Communications Coordinator), Jordon Drumgoole (President), Angela Uribe (Vice President), Kena Nicol (Event Coordinator), and Eric Novelo (Communications Coordinator)
The Student Planning Association (SPA) at the University of Texas at Arlington has been named the 2026 Outstanding Planning Student Organization (PSO) by the American Planning Association, a prestigious national honor recognizing excellence in supporting the professional development of planning students.
The PSO Awards celebrate student organizations that demonstrate excellence in advancing student success, professional engagement, and leadership within the planning field. After being paused in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards returned this year as part of a broader effort to strengthen and expand the national network of planning student organizations, making SPA's recognition especially significant.
SPA is a student-led organization committed to fostering the academic, professional, and civic development of City and Regional Planning and Urban Design students and those in allied fields. Through a wide range of initiatives, the organization connects students with real-world planning experiences and industry professionals across the Dallas–Fort Worth region. Its programming includes site tours, guest speaker events, planning and zoning workshops, and resume and portfolio reviews led by practicing planners.
These efforts reflect what Dr. Deden Rukmana, Director of the Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) program, described as the organization’s “dedication, creativity, and leadership.” Through initiatives such as mentorship programs, speaker series, and active involvement in local planning efforts, SPA continues to create “valuable opportunities that connect academic learning with real-world impact,” demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing the planning profession and serving the broader community.
A cornerstone of SPA's success is its growing mentorship program, which pairs students with planning professionals for one-on-one guidance and career development. The organization also works closely with UT Arlington's MCRP program and collaborates with local APA sections and municipal agencies to expand experiential learning opportunities, including job shadowing and conference participation.
SPA's involvement in the APA Texas State Conference Legacy Project also contributed to its national recognition. Through this initiative, a team of students collaborated with peers and professional planners of Bryan and College Station on a real-world community project, gaining valuable hands-on experience while strengthening connections across the broader planning community.
The $2,000 award accompanying the honor supported SPA members' attendance at the National Planning Conference in Detroit, where they will represent UT Arlington on a national stage, expand their professional networks, and engage with leaders in the planning field. The recognition further reinforces SPA's mission to create meaningful opportunities for students beyond the classroom.
Student leaders and members also echoed Dr. Rukmana’s sentiment, emphasizing the collective effort behind SPA's success.
"As President of SPA, I'm proud to see our work recognized by the American Planning Association," said Jordon Drumgoole. "This award reflects the culture our students have built, one grounded in service, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to the planning field. Being named an Outstanding PSO is an honor, but it's also a reminder of what we're capable of. This is just the beginning."
Vice President Angela Uribe highlighted the organization's growth and impact:
"Being in the MCRP program, I’ve also noticed how much more SPA has started to reach graduate students. Part due to intentional outreach but also because the work we’re doing genuinely supports students and feels relevant to their goals."
For many members, the award represents both personal and group achievement.
“It honestly feels amazing to see how much SPA has accomplished in such a short period of time,” said Emily Marquez Contreras, Graphic Design Coordinator. “What started as a small, welcoming community has grown into something truly impactful.”
Communication Coordinator Justine Nguyen added, “Being able to grow within the organization and contribute to opportunities for other students makes this recognition especially purposeful.”
SPA member Brock Simonton also underscored the value of mentorship: “SPA mentorship helped me gain valuable connections with not only my mentor but also how the industry works.”
As SPA continues to grow, this national recognition affirms its role in advancing the next generation of planners. The organization has been equipping students with the skills, connections, and experiences needed to make a lasting impact on their communities and the profession.